My journey

I wanted to go to Art College when I left school but my parents encouraged me to get a ‘proper job’. For 20 years I worked as a Civil Servant at The Nottingham District Land Registry and later at HMRC. I began to study art when my children started school, although I always did the school run and family was always a priority. That’s the thing with art you can work around obstacles and I often worked in the evening after their bedtime. I studied art for 7 years and loved every minute of it, I was awarded MA Fine Art with distinction in 2005 from Nottingham Trent University. My work with garments and labels simply evolved through a programme of exploring and manipulating a wide range of materials.

Joy Pitts #joynextthesea

2018 Highlights & News

2018 has been an exciting time in my exhibition calendar with the focus around Savile Row, London. I have produced highly detailed work in collaboration with Piccadilly tailor Benson & Clegg. A canvas so precisely measured that it tested even my technical skills. The portrait of King George VI is a permanent feature at Benson & Clegg and lists the George Cross recipients awarded from 1940-2018. Please visit the shop to view the portrait during opening hours you would be most welcome.

I have also produced a portrait of Horatio Nelson using Savile Row’s Davies & Son bespoke label. Although minimal in design compared to King George VI this canvas also tested my skills. It is clear to see my decision-making processes allowing the visible sketch to be seen and making suggestions of Nelson’s coat rather than including the whole detail. 

A highlight of 2018 was selection for the Royal Academy 250th Summer exhibition, both portraits selling at the private views and a second commission as a result of the exposure, thank you Royal Academy. I must also mention a local exhibition at the wonderful 19th century Framework Knitters Museum in Ruddington, Nottingham back in May 2018, it was great to be involved in this exhibition.

Looking ahead to 2019 I can confirm that I will be showing work as part of the INNOVATE exhibition at Derby Royal Hospital from 18thMarch, and also taking part in North Norfolk Open Studios from 25thMay – 9thJune 2019. 

artsbeat Magazine Derbyshire October 2018

Limited Edition Giclee Print

Two of my artworks have been selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2018. I decided to respond to the call out by Grayson Perry to produce work for his 'Room of Fun'. The two original works have now sold but Limited Edition prints are available, 33x33cm.
The exhibition runs until 19th August 2018. 

The McAulay Gallery Royal Academy of Arts London W1J 0BD. Grayson Perry has curated a 'room of fun' to celebrate 250 years of The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2018. The collection of portraits look really cool and the McAulay Gallery is free to visit, it can be accessed through the vaults or via the new entrance in Burlington Gardens.