Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
-Pablo Picasso
I have been admiring the art of Janet from Janet Hill Studios for some time now. I love the subjects of her paintings and her use of color and light is amazing.
I had the privilege of interviewing her recently. I hope you love getting to know her and her process. I know I did.
Janet is also wanting to give away one of her prints.
Every comment will be put in the drawing. A winner will be chosen on Wednesday.
The winner will receive this print "The Sunday Picnic".
At what point in your life did you acknowledge or accept that you truly were an artist?
I had a hard time with pursuing art initially. When I was trying to decide what university programs I should apply for, I was torn between life science (I had wanted to go into medicine) or fine art. At the time,I had a great art teacher who helped me produce a good portfolio and when I got into the tiny fine art program at my favourite university, I decided to really give it a go. Afterall, although I enjoyed biology, I hated math so it seemed like the easier route for me.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
I draw inspiration from everything- books, blogs, magazines, and movies. Particularly films though.
How long have you been painting and how has your artistic process changed over the years?
I've been painting since my last year of high school, so about 17 years. Yikes! My artistic process has changed quite a lot. I think I've gotten lazier. I used to spend a lot of time staring at my work and rethinking pieces through, but due to the nature of my paintings now, I just paint and try not to think about it. I think when you spend a lot of time examining your work, it can wreck it.
Who are some artists that influence or inspire you?
One of my painting professors told me that I was a bad student and would turn out to be a bad artist because I didn't spend much time looking at other artists work and as a result, I was painting with blinders on. I find it rather funny now that I'm a full-time artist, so maybe her theory wasn't right. Sometimes it may be best just to do your own thing. I haven't gotten any better really at exploring others work. Although, I do appreciate Frida Kahlo's work, John Singer Sargent, and Ross Bleckner. Three completely different artists.
Do you work from home or do you have a studio outside your home? How are you able to balance family life with your art?
I work from home. In a tiny laundry room type space (actually the washer and dryer are in there with me). The light is good, so I make due with the tiny room. I dream of putting on an addition to my little cottage that would have a large studio space. In terms of balancing family life, there are some benefits to working out of the laundry room because I can do loads of laundry as I paint!
Janet, thank you so much for your interview and the lovely giveaway!
To get to know Janet and her work better visit her shop and her blog.
A picture is a poem without words.
-Horace
ooooh, all her paintings are beautiful........but how happy I am that the winner gets the Sunday Picnic! I love to entertain and throw parties and I've been known to make those banner thingies above the table. This painting makes me happy......it's soooo me.
Posted by: joolee | June 28, 2009 at 08:45 PM
She is good....I especially like the shoes!!
Posted by: kana conger | June 28, 2009 at 08:57 PM
AMAZING! I love her work. Thank you. I'm going to her blog right now:)
Posted by: Becky @ Farmgirl Paints | June 28, 2009 at 09:48 PM
oh how i love her work...i am so drawn to her shoe paintings...Sunday Picnic is amazing with all those yummy goodies covering the table...thank you
Posted by: koralee | June 28, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Jeanne. I'm so in love.
I am NOT an artist - dream of being one, and simply adore the talent of others.
I've been on the lookout for some fresh art in my home, and thanks to you, I have a whole new realm of possibilities.
Janet - you have a new #1 fan!
xoxo ~ Tracy.
Posted by: Tracy | June 28, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Her work is so peaceful.... Beautiful...
I love that you share the creativity of so many people. I visit your blog not only to get inspiration but to be refreshed. Thank you for that!!!
Posted by: Amy Muffoletto | June 28, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Janet Hill is a complete delight in talent and interview. I saw her work the other day on another blog, and was instantly in love. It is thought provoking for memories and peace for the soul.
Thanks for being so generous Janet, and thanks for the extra getting to know her interview.
Posted by: Jan | June 28, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Jeanne that was a lovely interview with Janet what a beautifull person she sounds, its my first experience of seeing Janet Hill's work & what gorgeous paintings I soooo love the lady in the green dress amongs many of the others, will be going to take a peak at her blog now, thanks :)
Posted by: Elaine Power | June 29, 2009 at 01:46 AM
Wow. I LOVE her work!! The picnic seen is my favorite one!!
Posted by: Jemm | June 29, 2009 at 05:45 AM
Thank you for introducing us to Janet Hill -there is a lovely teacup painting on her blog. She is very talented. The picnic print is perfect for summer.
Posted by: Susie | June 29, 2009 at 07:18 AM
Beautiful paintings! And great interview ;)
Posted by: Rebekah | June 29, 2009 at 07:39 AM
jeanne, this is a beautiful entry, both in words & images. i'm not familiar with janet but i absolutely love her work. the colors are amazing. the four dresses....hmm.....bet i know a home where that might work out perfectly!
you always hook me up with new faces-i love it!
ps---did you love your wallpaper tote that you ordered a while back from etsy?
Posted by: paige | June 29, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Happy Monday sweet Jeanne! Those paintings are beautiful! I wish I was an artist! I'm soooo inspired by them! Lovely, feminine images! Have a wonderful week!
Posted by: lissa | June 29, 2009 at 07:59 AM
What lovely work! Thanks for introducing us to Janet.
Posted by: Rebekah | June 29, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Gorgeous paintings, so feminine and fresh, i love the color pallets she uses as well..great interview and great store, I am adding her as a favorite, her work would make wonderful gifts!
Posted by: Tara | June 29, 2009 at 08:30 AM
GORGEOUS! The colors and subjects are so happy! I love the yellow dress -- the last one on your post. It's amazing. Does she have a favorite movie? Would love to know since that is how she is inspired!
THANK YOU for the introduction!
Posted by: Allegra | June 29, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Gorgeous paintings!
Posted by: Andrea | June 29, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Beautiful work! So happy to you have introduced her. Thanks! ooxx`jodi
Posted by: Jodi | June 29, 2009 at 09:19 AM
What wonderful work-- makes me smile!
Posted by: Missy K | June 29, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Her work is like the smell of wonderful butter frosting. I love her work!!! Thanks so much for the interview and giveaway.
Posted by: cathy | June 29, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Just LOVELY!!! LOVE them all...heading for a visit to her blog!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: A pocket full of posies... | June 29, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Wow, I love all of the work you showed us, and will be sure to visit her blog as well! Thank you for the tip! She does amazing work!
Posted by: Holly | June 29, 2009 at 11:58 AM
So beautiful! I love the women she paints. I need one for my house!
Posted by: Liz Roberts | June 29, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Beautiful and inspiring!
Posted by: Kjersten | June 29, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Oh WOW! I love, love, love her work! I'm a shoe freak, so I'm thinking I'm gonna have to have a few of her paintings!
Posted by: Robin Fonville | June 29, 2009 at 03:20 PM