Star-struck over artist

Feb 14 2008 By Emma Cullwick

FILM buffs and art lovers alike have been queuing up to see an exhibition of paintings by a former Solihull College student.

Josie McCoy's career has gone from strength to strength since she graduated from Solihull College, where she studied a degree in fine art ten years ago.

After leaving the college she secured a place at the world-renowned London art college, Central Saint Martin's.

She then returned to Solihull College to become a lecturer, but left after the popularity of her art took off and she was invited to stage exhibitions across the world.

Her first show at the Eye-storm gallery in London sold out on the opening night and generated more than 20 commissions which lead to her being one of the art dealer's best-selling artists.

Now Josie, whose work depicts famous actresses and characters from film and television, is proving a hit yet again after her new exhibition - called Seduced, which is at the Window Gallery in London - is proving an equal success.

The paintings in the latest exhibition featured actress and model Milla Jovovich, who plays Leeloo in the Luc Besson movie The Fifth Element.

Josie said: "I am lucky enough to have pursued a very successful career as a practising artist over the past decade and remember my time at Solihull College well.

"The tutors gave me the support and encouragement I needed to develop my work and the confidence to follow a career in painting."

The news comes after Josie, who has won many awards for her work, was also recently commissioned by the BBC to paint a picture Michelle Collins, who plays Cindy Beale in the soap EastEnders.

Other portraits by the artist include well-known stars such as Nicole Kidman, Christina Ricci, Kate Moss and Angelina Jolie.