Jan Heaton Studio

quiet

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:47:28 +0000

During the past six months I have been researching how color in our surrounding environments — particularly nature — influences our personal health and well being. After reading the book Healing Spaces by Esther Sternberg, that explores how our immediate environment affects our senses, emotions and immune systems I began to paint what brought me peace. With an emphasis on repetitive, quiet patterns of movement found in nature I focused on line, color, and form.

I understand that my paintings may draw different meanings, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My intention is not to impose a specific message to the viewer. I often hesitate to title my paintings, for fear that they will be translated only according to my vision, and close a door to another interpretation. I hope my paintings will allow the viewer to observe a familiar object in a new way.

The images in this series will be in a solo exhibition at The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas. The exhibit opens June 1, 2013, and will be on view until August 18. An opening reception is scheduled for June 8, from 2 to 4 pm.

line. color. form

admin — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 21:45:28 +0000

The concept began with an early morning discovery of tiny moving creatures near the water’s edge. I was intrigued that they were all separate, yet united, creating one moving, fluid configuration. Their forms mirrored the colors of the water, the atmosphere, their environment, and were constantly changing. I began work on a series that focused on color, form, and line replicating patterns of movement. The rhythm is created with quiet translucent veils of color that is contemplative and regenerative. In the end, my vision is to create a permanent visual space that influences our sense of well-being.

transitions

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:32:16 +0000

A wren built a nest outside my window inside a small potted fern. The nest, an exquisite woven cylinder of leaves, and twigs. There are now five tiny, pale blue/gray eggs inside the nest. I check them quietly every morning with the mother closely watching me. I am sure there will be a painting soon coming from this inspiration. When I’m not looking out the window I have been painting… a series of watercolors influenced by relationships, transitions, and patterns that communicate a quiet sense of place. The work is inspired by nature, water, creatures, and forms I have observed recently.

To view full painting or slideshow, click on a thumbnail from the gallery below.

tranquillo

admin — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:37:49 +0000

East of Tuscany and north of Rome, the quiet landscape of Umbria communicates a unique tranquility. J.M.W.Turner, one of the first watercolorists to inspire me as a young artist, had painted on the hillside of a village I would be visiting. I was eager to translate my impressions of the Umbrian countryside into paintings on cold pressed cotton paper, a paper handcrafted since 1267 in Fabriano, several hours from where I would be staying.

The details, colors and forms that inspired the series include old vines heavy with clusters of violet grapes. Chalky alabaster cliffs dotting the valley beyond the vines. Cerulean rippling streams moving silently through a maze of viridian green. Purple-black olives in groves that undulated over the hillside, ready for harvest. And the indigo hues that dominate the famed pottery of Deruta. Everyday life can be stressful, my intention is to interpret and share a small slice of the beauty and serenity I discovered in Umbria.

To view full painting or slideshow, click on a thumbnail from the gallery below.

laguna

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:10:09 +0000

The work in this collection is inspired by the simplistic beauty and healing properties of nature. Delicate solitary shells, tangled kelp on the shore, water patterns, lush floral masses, details of trees and foliage. The paintings are constructed with a myriad of transparent layers that ultimately convey a personal narrative filled with a celebration of life and natural beauty.

To view full painting or slideshow, click on a thumbnail from the gallery below.

morning tide

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:11:10 +0000

Fractured mussel shells on the beach, crunching under my feet. A visual symphony of colors, textures and values edging the shore as the morning tide approaches and retreats.

a rose is a rose

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:18:43 +0000

"thursday roses", 43" x 43"

Roses are read, like volumes of pages, only petals, one under the next, overlapping, napping, caressing the next. Oh to be a rose.

solitary shell

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:32:05 +0000

A solitary shell found on the beach. “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches – patience and faith. One should lie empty, open choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.” ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

gallery 2009

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:37:11 +0000

To view full painting or slideshow, click on a thumbnail from the gallery below .

gallery 2008

admin — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:42:46 +0000

To view full painting or slideshow, click on a thumbnail from the gallery below .