June-July Exhibit at Olive's features Jen Spaker of Fort Mill, SC Celebrate Art!
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jen and her husband lived in upstate New York for 20 years before moving to Fort Mill, South Carolina in 2010. Jen graduated from Denison University in Granville, Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is also a registered nurse and has worked in pharmaceutical sales and as a school nurse. A life long painter, she is primarily a self- taught artist working in acrylics and oils. Landscape and still life is her preferred subject matter. She has honed her skills by taking many workshops from nationally known artists and paints weekly with a plein air group in the Charlotte area. For many years she worked only in acrylics due to turpentine allergies. About two years ago she began using oils with Gamsol and found success without health issues. Her art has been selected for numerous juried shows in Rochester, New York, Charlotte, Rock Hill and Greenville, South Carolina. She has won many awards for her paintings, most recently 1st and 3rd place in the Guild of Charlotte Artists 2017 winter show. For two years she enjoyed teaching an adult acrylics class at Charlotte Fine Art Gallery in Charlotte. She is also member of Matthews Artist Guild, York County Arts Council and the Guild of Charlotte Artists.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am motivated by the beauty that surrounds us in simple, everyday objects and scenery. I enjoy the challenge of working directly from life and many times finish a small painting in a single painting session. Once a week I join a group of Charlotte area artists to paint various scenes around Charlotte and York County, South Carolina. Painting outdoors- called “plein air” painting has many challenges of weather, bugs and fast changing light, but the immediate freshness and energy of these types of paintings is what I strive for.
Debbie Whitsett: Artist in Residence Smelling the rich vapors of my uncle and grandfathers' oil paints was a big influence on my life. It touched my brain as only caustic chemicals can. But seriously, the chain of events of my life molded me and guided me to the artist I am today. I am extremely grateful to be able to do what I love, create. Painting and sculpting liberate my good feelings, and joy. I just want to share that with everyone. I have no favorites between them, they are equal in value and in pleasure. The bright colors that painting allows me to employ on the canvas is a festival for my eyes. I hope you feel the same! Happy, Shiny!
Would you like to be considered as an artist for future exhibits? Please fill out the form below and e-mail to: debbie@olivesmudpuddle.com.
