Ashton is a pseudonym for Jill Vance, who lives in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.

Ashton was born by luck or circumstances, whichever you prefer. She started painting at a young age. Her father was a painter of note, who also painted under a pseudonym. She loved horses and found that there was not enough time for both, so the painting stopped. Living in Italy she was unable to continue her riding and while working as a translator painted watercolours for fun. One day a gallery owner called unexpectedly and seeing Jill's work asked to have some to sell in her shop. They sold so well the owner asked for more, and suggested Jill paint in oil or acrylic. After trying oil, Jill found it too slow drying and settled on acrylic. She mostly painted local Mediterranean scenes.

Recently finding herself back in Ireland, Jill started painting local Irish scenes, and is already having some success. The name was chosen because it had been the name of Jill's business while still living in Ireland, and like her Father before her, she preferred an alias. Also, in the Italian alphabet there is no J, so her own name was a problem. Ashton was simple and easy.

Thus Ashton the painter was launched.