Jill Musser - Colorado Artist
As you can see, I enjoy painting many different subjects. Using acrylic or oil paint to create my art, I find that thicker, textural effects are achieved with oil paint and then a different, more transparent effect can be achieved with acrylic paints. With either medium, I let the painting evolve and dictate the results on the canvas. In my painting process, so many decisions are made: color combinations, textures, soft edges, hard edges. Is the painting too harsh? too indecisive? does it show intention? are the colors harmonious? are there pleasing contrasts? The painting often gets set aside for a week or two and I come back with fresh eyes. The painting is finished when I truly like or enjoy every aspect of what I see.
Deciding to become a full-time artist in 1985 honored creative interests that were nagging me for expression for many years. Stories of Claire Avery, a great aunt who was an illustrator for Vogue Magazine in Paris, and an uncle who was an artist/art professor in Buffalo, New York were always in the back of my mind. They both lived for their art in a beautiful way. Inspiration has come from past artists including Camille Pissarro, Vincent Van Gogh, Joaquin Sorolla, Nicolai Fechin, Richard Diebenkorn and Alice Neel. Some living artists I admire are Quang Ho, Brian Rutenberg, Daniel Sprick, Wendy McWilliams, Dean Bowlby, Louise Fletcher and Barbara Flowers.
I believe humanity is better off to have and enjoy as much art as possible, in any and every form. Art is the one thing that lasts and is treasured the most. Hence, I paint because I want to be part of this contribution to our world, to add my ideas of beauty and interest to the human experience.
When people respond to my work, it is very thrilling to feel the personal connection that transpires. I always feel that I have reached a mutual inner sanctum when this happens. In my opinion, art in any environment adds extra depth to our lives. My hope is that people find joy or an inner peace, an appreciation of quality in life, or an aesthetic satisfaction through my art. Additionally, I like to think that a painting will provide a needed focal point or interest to an otherwise bland living or work space.
I am honored to be communicating through my artwork. It is, to me, a tremendously exciting and rewarding lifetime endeavor.
