About Jackie
I am inspired by the environment and the lake where I live, nature and seasons, and noticing beauty in everyday life. In teaching mixed media classes I revisit and study different artists and techniques over and over again, which leads to new paths to create artwork. I am also inspired by life drawing sessions and classes I take.
I live in the Chicago area where I teach mixed media classes and workshops, and exhibit work regionally.
In my work I often aim to capture a fleeting moment or tell a story. I also like to combine realistic studies with narrative and more abstract elements. Usually I am inspired directly by something as a launching point and then the piece takes on a life of its own. Sometimes I keep it simple and work directly from life with a piece of charcoal.
Artist Residency in Shetland
My mother was born in the Shetland Isles. To her, it was home. To me as a child, and even now, it is a magical place. I had the opportunity to spend a month at the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse in March of 2016. It was a once in a lifetime residency, especially since the program does not exist anymore. I met wonderful people and painted the coastline, ocean and so much more in the environment there. This experience still informs my work, and I have had three solo shows around it since.
Where to see my work out in the world
I am a member of the Oak Park Art League, where I teach and have taught since 2014. I often have pieces in their monthly themed shows.
Currently I have work traveling with Scottish pianist Kate Durran as she performs a series of concerts showcasing Bach’s Toccatas and work by Beethoven, Liszt, Shubert and Bach/Busoni, April 2022
