About the Artist
Artist Bio
Jeanne was born in Southern California in 1950. She had an interest in art and music as long as she can remember, but in her younger years music seemed to be the winner. She began playing piano at age 6 and at age 13, finally, after years of begging, her parents bought her a guitar, which became a consuming passion for years. Before leaving California, she did take some foundation art classes at a local college. At the age of 18 Jeanne relocated to Hawaii and explored living the natural lifestyle for years on Maui, Kauai'i and finally settling on the Big Island. There she studied music at UH Hilo. She studied the bass with Dr. George Durham, who was Dizzy Gilespie's bass player "back in the day." Jeanne worked in the real estate business there, and for years, she also played bass and guitar with several different bands in clubs, hotels, fairs, and festivals.
In the mid 1980's a friend from Hawaii moved to Juneau, Alaska. Jeanne went up for a visit and decided it was time for a change. She moved to Alaska in 1985, started working for a real estate company again and was active as a bass and guitar player once again. She always preferred more "hands on" type of work and eventually opened a small art framing business. The beauty and magic of the art that was coming into her shop rekindled her old love of art. In 1989 she attended a week-long artist symposium up in the mountains near Big Timber, Montana. John Seerie-Lester was the featured artist. It was a real inspiration. In 1991 she attended the Ultimate Yellowstone Art Symposium, which was hosted by some of the popular artists of that time: John Seerie-Lester, Allan Hunt, Carl Brenders, Mort Solberg, Nancy Taylor-Stonington and others. It was an eye-opening experience and that same year she entered her first art show, the professional division of the SE Alaska fair at Haines, Alaska. Her paintings took first place and best of show. That was the encouragement she needed and she has been an active artist ever since.
At the end of 1999 Jeanne and husband Vern moved to Port Angeles, WA. There is endless painting inspiration in the area, which is located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and right outside of Olympic National Park. It is an active horse, fishing and logging community, and neighboring Sequim is known for it's dairy and lavender farms. Jeanne and Vern have spent many enjoyable years riding their mules up in the mountains and raising German Shepherd dogs.
Artist Statement
I am attracted to all things outdoors and I strive to create art that is realistic but still painterly. I feel that using a set palette of basic colors gives my work it's unity, even though I paint a variety of subjects. I still occasionally paint scenes from Hawaii and Alaska.
Additional Education
Studied With:
John Seerey-Lester
George Strickland
Dianna Shyne
Dianne Ainsworth
Don Demers
Ned Mueller
Exhibits
Women Artist's of the West Annual Show Fredricksberg TX
Women Artist's of the West Annual Show Fredricksberg TX
Women Artist's of the West Annual Show Chicago, IL
San Juan Islands Preservation Trust - Show and Sale - Whidby Island
San Juan Islands Preservation Trust - Show and Sale - Whidby Island
San Juan Islands Preservation Trust - Show and Sale - San Juan Island
San Juan Islands Preservation Trust - Show and Sale - Orcas Island
San Juan Islands Preservation Trust - Show and Sale - Lopez Island
The Heatherton Gallery, Port Angeles, WA
The Lark Gallery, Sequim, WA
The Artist's Gallery of Seattle
Emerald Downs Equine Art Show
Olympic National Forest Anniversary Art Show
Two Women Show, Gallery at the 5th, Sequim, WA
Sequim Museum and Arts Center - Solo show
Lost Mountain Art and Wine Show, Sequim, WA
Arts in Action, Port Angeles, WA
Clallam Art Gallery, Port Angeles, WA - Featured Artist
Gallery of the North - Juneau, AK
Artist's Cove Gallery - Juneau, AK
Waterfront Gallery - Wildlife Art Exhibit - Juneau, AK
Publications
Horses in Art Magazine
The Peninsula Daily News
Corporate Collections:
Swedish Medical Center
Memberships - Past and Present:
Clallam Art League
Clallam Art Gallery, Board of Directors
Women Artists of the West
Washington Plein Air Painters
