The Artist Behind Jarva: Lyndsey’s Creative Path

Jarva Gallery began long before it had walls, a name, or a home. It started with Lyndsey, a young artist sketching faces in schoolbooks, a teen learning precision at Royal Crown Derby, and later, a wildlife painter travelling the world in search of truth and inspiration. Her journey through illustration, fine art, and international exhibitions eventually led to an unexpected turning point: a small rented space that became the foundation for the gallery we know today.

This blog shares Lyndsey’s story, the moments that shaped her, the art that guided her, and the vision that built Jarva Gallery into a family-run space dedicated to integrity, craftsmanship, and connection.

 

Early Days

I left school at sixteen with just one O-Level, Art. From childhood, I was always sketching: faces, eyes, and portraits inspired by the magazines my older sister brought home while training as a hairdresser.

My parents recognised I had a natural ability, but like many families then, they didn’t know where art could lead. So they enrolled me in a local art class, where I was the youngest among hobby painters, and it was there I first realised that art would always be more than a pastime for me.

Not long after leaving school, I was offered a position at Royal Crown Derby, one of Britain’s most prestigious ceramic companies. I trained as one of only eight specialist artists, hand-painting each figurine as a unique, signed piece. At just 17, I was sent to Canada to represent the company, demonstrating the craftsmanship behind the work, including appearing on Canadian television.

Those early years taught me discipline, precision, and the value of creating something with integrity.

 

Finding My Voice in Wildlife Art

A few years later, searching for a new direction, I joined a busy illustration studio in Leicester where thirteen artists created artwork for children’s books, greetings cards, wallpapers, and gift wrap. I went self-employed at nineteen, developing a strong commercial skillset and creative independence.

During this time, I was commissioned by a French publisher to illustrate wildlife books. Through that work, I discovered the art of:

• David Shepherd
• Alan Hunt
• Robert Bateman
• Carl Brenders

These artists painted not to please, but to express and that realisation changed everything.

I left commercial illustration, took part-time work at Denby Pottery (where I designed the Storm tableware collection), and dedicated every spare hour to painting wildlife. I visited sanctuaries, studied animals first-hand, and slowly built a body of work.

I began exhibiting at national art events. One early milestone was Patchings Arts Festival, where I sold a single painting for £1,000! While the smaller, “safer” works didn’t sell. It was a defining lesson:

Always stand behind your best work. Never dilute your voice.

My career continued to grow, and I was invited to exhibit at a major event in Henley-on-Thames, my first exhibition outside Derbyshire, where my work sold out. From there, I began exhibiting throughout London and the south, building a collector base.

Then came an extraordinary moment... David Shepherd personally invited me to exhibit with him in London. My work went on to win awards. A full-circle moment I hold close.

My wildlife painting eventually led me to South Africa, where I studied animals in their natural environment, the light, behaviour, tension, and presence of life in the wild. It was there I encountered Jarva, a leopard resting in the trees, poised, elegant, and unforgettable.

I painted her many times over the years, and she became a symbol of courage and artistic truth.

My work was later included in a global art calendar showcasing the best wildlife artists in the world, with my close-up elephant painting selected for the front cover. And one of my originals was sold through Christie’s Auction House in New York.

 

Jarva Fine Art — A Gallery Built on Integrity

In 2009, during a house move and without a studio, I rented a small space simply to keep painting. I continued to exhibit across the country and met extraordinary sculptors and painters whose craftsmanship inspired me. I began showing their work alongside mine, and something in me awakened — I loved helping people form a connection with artwork.

That temporary space evolved into Jarva Fine Art, now proudly established for over sixteen years, and expanded into a five-star hotel in Buxton. We were honoured to be awarded:

Best Art Gallery in Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire.

When naming the gallery, I knew I didn’t want my own name above the door. The gallery was never about elevating me. Instead, it had to represent meaning, journey, and spirit.

So we named it after that leopard — Jarva — the symbol of my turning point.

A reminder to follow what calls to your soul, even when it challenges and stretches you.

 

A Family-Run Gallery, Built on Trust

My children are my greatest creations:

• Oliver — now an architect, thoughtful and talented.
• Ellie — who works alongside me in the gallery, with an exceptional eye for art, design, and media.

Together, we have built a gallery known for integrity, expertise, and genuine care.

Many people are unsure when purchasing art; what to choose, how to display it, what makes it valuable. We understand that. We’re here to guide, support, and share knowledge openly — never to pressure.

We curate art based on craftsmanship, soul, and quality.

We are driven by artistry, not by trends.

Connection, not commercialism.

We believe art should be chosen because it moves you.

Because it stays with you.

Because it becomes part of your life.

And we are honoured to help that happen