Jane Wise's Artist Statement
I make my art because I’m trying to create something beautiful or to capture an idea or feeling. Nature inspires me, especially flowers, many of which I grow around my house as I am an avid gardener. I’m fascinated by the change of the seasons and by light and reflections and shadows that make something glow or just add interest or variation to a composition. Sometimes I just like the textures and shapes of objects. I also like old or ordinary stuff like old buildings or well-worn objects.
I’ve only started painting seriously in the last seven years or so. Prior to that I was busy homeschooling my special needs child. I also taught some art classes to homeschoolers during that season of life. As I taught art I realized that I like making art more than teaching and took several watercolor plant illustration classes at Longwood Gardens with Carol Gangemi. Recently, I’ve taken classes at Lancaster County Art Association with Karen Fratalli and also classes with Andy Smith in Lititz. So now I’m free and ready to pursue my dreams.
I usually start out with trying to copy nature or what I see. Then I depart from reality and often merge several objects or several photos into one composition. I told my students “I create my own reality.” I often try to show different sides to an object. My works are ones that I would enjoy hanging on my own walls or to bring nature indoors. However, I have done a few pieces that show a contrast between nature and man, or depict an emotion, or show an aspect of humanity or a culture.
I am continuing to grow as an artist by challenging myself by using various styles such as realism and impressionism, and by alternating between watercolors, ink, and acrylics. I plan to continue exploring the world and to see all that I can see. I want to capture as many ideas as possible and explore different genres.