Artists Statement

The focus of my work is my two dogs, which I portray on their daily walk exploring and discovering the world around them. My inspiration comes from the contemplation of a present reality. Like all walkers I am caught between reality of the world around me and a daydream. Walking releases thoughts, my mind wanders then is snapped back by practical concerns. The dogs are always portrayed focusing on the present. Swirling around them is energy, light and my projected daydreams.

I begin with a  sense or sometimes an emotion.  All decisions of color temperature and pallet colors are made before I begin painting. I paint very quickly to build up layers, adding darker or lighter colors as I work. Each painting evolves as the paint leaves the brush. Many times I drop the brush and use a drawing tool to move the wet paint around to add another element. Some of the works are achieved by spraying the wet paint with water allowing the paint to flow and merge into its neighbor. The canvas is turned repeatedly and drips are managed until the desired effect is achieved. I strive to create the illusion of movement in my work to entice the viewer to share in the excitement, discovery and joy I experience on my daily walks.

About Jennifer

Jennifer shows her work art festivals in the Carolinas and occasional open studio events and will happily open her studio in the growing historic district of Rock Hill, just for the asking. If you are lucky to know many citizens of Rock Hill, or on the East coast you might persuade them to show you past gems decorating their walls.

Jennifer was born on a Marine Base in Oceanside California, raised in what her dad called “Gods Country” on a hillside overlooking the almost famous (Napa wasn’t really on the map until 1968, the year she left) Napa Valley. Graduating in 1968 from Calistoga High School she left home to tramp around Europe, working briefly as an Au pair in England, then hitchhiking around Europe.

She met her married her soul mate in Germany, U.S. Air Force Sgt. R.L. Hamilton, returning to the states eventually moving her husband’s home area in South Carolina. The need to pursue her art grew in the next few years, driving her to seek formal training, first at Winthrop U. She was unable to complete her education there because of money issues, but fate stepped in and the art workshops developed by a colleague at Springmaid Beach in Myrtle Beach began. There she has studied every year since 1984 two- then six weeks a year working as class monitor enjoying the benefits of learning and perfecting her craft from Nationally known artists.