Gwen John

Gwen John (1876-1939) is best known for her watercolours and drawings of solitary, anonymous women, plain interiors and still lifes. Born in Wales, she was the sister of Augustus John, and was the partner of Auguste Rodin for many years. She studied in Paris, at Whistler's academy, where she concentrated and developed her use of colour and tone.

Although she preferred solitude, she was associated with many well-known artists of the time. She lived in Meudon, just outside Paris, painting female churchgoers, nuns and children following her conversion to Catholicism. Her style was quite meditative, and remained consistent throughout her career, and she mainly used drawing and watercolours as she favoured the spontaneity and rapidity they gave her.

Although her work was overshadowed by that of her brothers during their lifetimes, awareness and appreciation of John's works has grown in recent years.