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
HER WORK IS BEAUTIFUL- AND I LOVE THE PRINT OF PICNIC. THANKS, TERRY
Posted by: TERRY | June 29, 2009 at 03:29 PM
I've been following Janet's blog for some time now, and was thrilled to see her post the link to this interview. It's lovely to get to "know" her a little better. I love the colour in her work too, and the retro feel of many of her subjects. I keep checking etsy every time she posts about a new painting, but I am always too late. I would love to be entered into the draw for the print.
Posted by: Jacki | June 29, 2009 at 03:38 PM
how nice....
i love the picasso quote!
xo
chas
Posted by: chasity | June 29, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Her paintings go within minutes of her posting them. So this print will satisfy my Janet Hill craving!
Dawn
The Gahan Girls
Posted by: Dawn Gahan | June 29, 2009 at 03:57 PM
I LOVE her paintings. In particular, I love the paintings of interiors and the garden scenes. The colors are always so beautiful.
Posted by: Christine | June 29, 2009 at 03:57 PM
I like her!!! Her work is very real.
My daughter paints and I find her style is quite similar to Janet's. My daughter is very young, though (almost 17), so she is a bit 'raw' right now. With a bit of time, practice and inspiration, she could make this her career too.
Posted by: Rachel | June 29, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Beautiful paintings...all of them. I could make space for them all!
Posted by: Denise | June 29, 2009 at 04:52 PM
I love the women Janet has painted. They remind me of my mother, which puts a smile on my face and instantly puts me at ease. It's amazing how a person and a painting can have such an emotional affect.
Posted by: Mara | June 29, 2009 at 05:00 PM
wow, her work is so beautiful, really draws you in. i love the paintings of the women they are so feminine. the picnic print is so sweet. just like i'd like my backyard picnic to look.
Posted by: susan | June 29, 2009 at 05:34 PM
How beautiful and colorful!
Kim
Posted by: Kim | June 29, 2009 at 05:43 PM
Her work is so beautiful! I am now one of her fans...I am so happy that she followed her heart and not listened to that professor...her paintings are gorgeous...she is my favorite!
Posted by: Maria | June 29, 2009 at 06:04 PM
I found you through the Janet Hill Studio blogsite. I have enjoyed meandering through your blog, too. Two very interesting sites. I, like you, have admired Janet's work! Lovely.
Posted by: Hydrangea Blossom | June 29, 2009 at 06:15 PM
I just love her work, especially the picnic one! It's so happy and idyllic!
Posted by: Anna | June 29, 2009 at 06:24 PM
Her work is so lovely. Her subjects are amazing and beautifully done. I would be honoured to own one of her paintings!
Posted by: Debra Cripps | June 29, 2009 at 06:32 PM
I love all the paintings! Very beautiful and lovely!
Posted by: Sabrina | June 29, 2009 at 06:48 PM
I adore her work, she is so inspiring.
Posted by: maria | June 29, 2009 at 08:12 PM
I love Janet's subject matter and her style. The paintings are so very lively in colour.
Posted by: Dolores Sedore | June 29, 2009 at 09:03 PM
I forget now how I first discovered Janet's blog but I am totally enthralled with her work. The colors she uses and the dreamy images are so mouthwatering (even the shoes!) and appealing. The Sunday Picnic is one of my favorites-oh heck, they're all my favorites! How generous that she's doing this giveaway.
Posted by: Joyce | June 29, 2009 at 09:17 PM
its the feeling you get when you know-i want to live here or yes,this is the dress-there was an instant connection when i first saw one of her paintings that drew me in automatically and i wanted her art to be part of my life in some small way if possible and for that i thank her and hope she will be with me throughout my life-kathryn
Posted by: kathryn hoffman | June 30, 2009 at 06:48 AM
Thank you for sharing this wonderful artist with me. I went right over and checked her beautiful blog.
Smiles,
Carol Casey
jcdas@msn.com
Posted by: ohgoodie | June 30, 2009 at 07:04 AM
She has beautiful paintings! They're awesome.
Posted by: Laurel | June 30, 2009 at 07:27 AM
I love her work, and it's great to hear a little about her. Would love to win a print.
Thanks!
Posted by: Sarah S | June 30, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Her paintings are beautiful! I discovered her blog recently and fell in love with her work. I love the girlyness of a lot of her work. My favorite right now is in her shop so I am saving my pennies!
Posted by: kibbygirl | June 30, 2009 at 08:48 AM
I hope one day to own one of her originals. I am slowly though getting a growing collection of her prints.
Posted by: Stefanie | June 30, 2009 at 09:09 AM
LOVE HER WORK TOO! WHY DID I NOT SEE THIS BEFORE! MELAINE :)
Posted by: Melaine | June 30, 2009 at 10:57 AM