Our first review for the new book 'A Lifetime of Inspiration in watercolour'

We sincerely wish to thank Paul Astle for his generous but honest review of Ashley's newest book.

I recently received my pre ordered copy of the new book by Ashley- "A Lifetime of Inspiration Captured in Watercolour", hot off the press, no doubt something that many folks like me will have been waiting for.

The first thing I notice about anything received from the Ashley Jackson Gallery is something that stands out a mile - & that is quality throughout. Yes, items like this do come very well packaged in heavy duty padded envelopes, but that is just the start. Once opened, your precious product is always very neatly wrapped in the gallery's uniquely marked brown paper, not in a plastic bag. Not simply 'wrapped' though, but done with care & attention to detail, carefully enveloped & taped. A very nice touch, one echoing back to the long lost traditions of pride in the product & care for the recipient receiving their goods in prime condition. This may be lost on some folks, but I think it justifiably oozes quality.

Let's get one thing out of the way - not every work shown here is 'brand new' - but it is not meant to be, as the title would suggest. It's a lifetime's work in watercolour, meaning there are a sprinkling of previously seen work, though only a sprinkling, but don't let that put you off in any way, as you would be missing out.

There are 62 right hand side plates packed inside. That has got to be value for money in anyone's eyes. The quality of the colour reproduction achieved is amazing. Ashley's atmospheric tones, always moody & dark, are a signature of his work, & are superbly captured here. The printer has done a wonderful job enabling you to take a close look & understand how some of these works have been put together. I have spent some hours doing this & look forward to many more, enabling me to understand, learn & encourage my own apinting.

Interspersed amongst the pages are a few photographic shots of Ashley on location, doing film work, sketching etc, but there are not that many & they don't hinder the enjoyment. The facing page to each work has a few lines or short paragraph relevant to that image. Simply put, these both add to the story, enjoyment & theme of the book.

I have really enjoyed it & will continue to do so. It's one for picking up, looking in detail at, experiencing the artist's view of his 'Mistress' subject, marvelling at his skill with brush & paint, then putting it down, satisfied that you have quenched your thirst for now at this portrayal of a magical County.