Artist’s Statement

INSPIRATION

"There is no way to adequately reproduce the beauty in a child’s face or the wonder of nature. But I feel very fortunate to be able to create a close approximation. I am truly humbled by what happens to a sunbeam as it filters through the cracks in the barn siding and illuminates the interior. I wish I could exactly reproduce that beauty but I have to be satisfied to come close, and keep trying. It pleases me when my paintings make people happy. When my painting causes you to remember a special person or place or time I feel very privileged. I hope that you will continue to be pleased by my efforts. You are my inspiration."


Biographical Data

Jean was born in the Midwest and received training in Decorative Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She displayed her Decorative Art pieces in art shows in the Chicago, Illinois area from 1963 to 1969. She conducted Decorative Art classes in Chicago during those years and continued teaching Decorative Art in Birmingham, Alabama until 1978.

Jean began studying fine art with well respected portrait artist Michael Shane Neal in 1998. Jean has also studied with Roger Brown, Paula Frizbe, Jeanne MacKenzie, Jason Saunders, Sergei Shillabeer, Joseph Sulkowski, Jody Thompson, and Dawn Whitelaw.

Jean is a member of  The Portrait Society of America, The Nashville Artists Guild, The Tennessee Art League, and is the current president of The Chestnut Group of plein air painters. She is the recipient of several awards for her portraits and landscapes.

Jean’s paintings may be seen at: The Tennessee Art League; The Retreat at Brentwood, Brentwood TN; Hanging Around Gallery, Nashville, TN and Garden Delights, Franklin, TN.  All paintings are in oil paint on canvas.

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