Tuesday, December 31, 2013

i love this studio.


My 77 san marco studio is fabulous. Really. Not only is it a great space to paint in, but the people who walk through the doors are so encouraging and motivating about my Even Me project! All types of people come in, some artists who recommend great spaces to show the collection, others lovers of art who are intrigued by the style of my work and actually stand and watch me paint, and then there are the aspiring artists who ask lots of questions. Interacting with others about my project has reignited my passion and motivation

Currently I'm working on a girl named Maurin. I would say she was one of my favorite students, but when I think about it, they all were. Maurin has a quiet, inquisitive personality. Although, when you get to know her she opens up. I love the expression on her face because it demonstrates her contentedness about life. Here's my progress on Maurin:






Friday, November 8, 2013

I'm still here, I promise!


Some of you may have seen some recent posts on Facebook or Instagram about exciting Even Me news. I've found the time to sit down and finally tell you the EXCITING news. 

For those of you who recently met me or don't know much about me, let me fill you in (I'll be brief). I spent a year in Moshi, Tanzania teaching 24 orphans. During that time, those 24 children greatly impacted my life. In turn, I decided to start a project that would hopefully impact them. I raised funds to create 24 4 x 4' oil paintings of their faces. My goal is to finish the paintings, show the paintings, sell the paintings (interested?), and use that money towards each child's college fund or vocational path.

Those of you have been following this project are probably thinking, "where the heck have you been?" I know, I know, life gets in the way (I won't go into it) and working in a 8 x 8' shoe box studio is not the most motivating of spaces. So, here's the exciting news...

I am currently moving into a co-op studio space to finish my Even Me project! Not only is the space in a great location (with great lighting, too), but the artist I'm sharing it with is quite talented and easy going (Laurel Baker jeweler/designer). I'm also using the space to promote my photography. The studio is in St. Augustine, Florida, where I recently moved to be with my husband! I love being here so far, and I would love if you came to visit me at the studio - you're always welcome.

So, with that being said, as soon as the shop is set up - painting is on. I'm not going to make any promises about when Even Me will be finished, but know that I'm putting 100% of my heart into it for those 24 beautiful souls. 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Monday, March 25, 2013

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

...because my boss is awesome.

She lets her assistant/underling bring in a 4x4 foot oil painting into the office to paint on during lunch break (well, the lunch breaks that we don't go to the gas station Subway). Truly, since I work in the middle of nowhere, aka Eustis, I have nowhere to go for my hour lunch break. Alas, I paint. It's wonderful. Here's the makeshift studio:


 Miss Mary.
Window shelf.
 Yes, that's an Okra Pickles jar (delectable little guys)!

Awesome boss (left) and awesome officemate (right)
 That's me excited to paint in the office!
Yep!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I blame salmonella in the bloodstream for not finishing 12 paintings by 2012

However, I have 12 paintings in progress (that's half of the project!!!!) - 6 of which are nearly finished! Now that I'm 100% healthy Jenna again, I'm going hard. Working mornings, lunch breaks, nights, and weekends is quite effective - and I'm thoroughly enjoying it!


The ambition comes from a new year, an installation this spring (at Cafe Davinci—come see it!), and, of course, the children. I get to see those 24 faces in 2 months when I travel to Tanzania for work! Stoked is an understatement. They'll all be asking, "Mees Jana, whuh is my painting?"


This is what I've been up to the past month:

My studio during Christmas break!
Addy picks four of her favorite pieces for framing.
We "work" the frame as Brandy builds more!
Then we get in trouble and get back to real work, kind of.
And voila, the semi-finished Aneth is hammered onto the orange fabric frame!
Isaka's bright turquoise frame looks stunning against his orange complexion! 
Oh, and here's my custom-made Even Me easel that folds up small enough for my car!
Four paintings packed for the roadtrip home! Thanks Gma and Gpa for the jeep!
Two paintings were left behind, but will soon be back in my studio!