Jo Willis began painting in her 50s, inspired by materials inherited from her father and formal training in oils at several art academies. Working primarily in oil, she favors limited color palettes and emphasizes tonal contrasts, expressive brushwork, and the dynamic effects of sunlight and shadow. Willis combines sharp, unblended blocks of color with strong compositions, often depicting people, animals, and scenes that evoke nostalgia. Her work centers on atmosphere and light, aiming to convey the fleeting quality and emotional resonance of remembered or imagined moments.