Having been raised with encouraging parents, Janet’sartistic talent was allowed to grow after starting art instruction at age seven. She was taught by oil painter, Betty Collins, in the Los Angeles area, with weekly lessons until high school. Academic art classes began at the college level while attending high school and ended with a degree in art from Chico State University. With an emphasis in printmaking and graphic design, teachers such as Janet Turner, Marion Epting and Paul Feldhaus were great influences.

After a rewarding career as a graphic designer, Janet’s life became even more rewarding with the birth of her three children. Always encouraging artistic expression helped lead all three young adults into becoming very talented and creative individuals.

More than a decade ago, Janet and her husband, Tom, moved back to Chico, where her passion for painting was rekindled. Butte County offers an endless supply of imagery, from beautiful natural landscapes to quaint homes and buildings.

Painting in an expressionistic yet representational style, Janet works primarily in oils, soft pastel, watercolor and acrylic. Most of her work is created “en plein air”, which means on location, outdoors. Janet states, “As I paint outside, I strive to relay a sense of the mood that I see and feel at the moment. Capturing the light with color, before it quickly changes, is an important part of my art. If I can depict a small portion of nature’s beauty or an emotion felt, then I am rewarded.” Janet was instrumental in forming the current Chico Plein Air Painters group.

Janet also paints abstract art and collages, demonstrating her creative versatility. Another favorite subject matter is home portraiture, where capturing the personal attachment and sentiment of the home owner is foremost. She is available for commission to uniquely portray your home or favorite landscape.

Having worked for over ten years locally in the interior design business, Janet can also assist you in choosing the perfect colors for your home. Call to arrange to see her portfolio of ideas and custom art paintings.

At no other time have Janet’s career choices become more rewarding than with the opening of Chico Art School & Gallery in 2009. Her goal is to share the rewards of art being an integral part of your life- for fun, relaxation and expression. “I hope that my students realize they can do more now than they thought possible. And I hope to eliminate fear from the creative experience.”

Janet continues her own instruction observing the painting techniques of the Plein Air Painters of America. She has attended inspirational workshops by Richard McKinnley, Emanuel Skarlatos, Gil Dellinger, and Sal Casa; counting them, alongside Monet, Mary Cassatt, and Cezanne among her artistic influences.

Janet’s paintings are currently shown at the Chico Art School & Gallery located in downtown Chico, at 336 Broadway, Suite 20. The downtown Starbuck’s and In Motion Fitness also feature Janet’s work. Gliclee prints of Janet’s original artwork are available in many sizes, on paper or canvas.