Growing up in natural surroundings of Newport, Oregon created in me a deepening affection for the wild. As a child , I was always an explorer of my surroundings. We lived out in the mountains surrounded by God's creation. We had a lot of critters , like rabbits and chickens; that gave our family a real country aspect. But my favorite thing was to ride my horse down to the beach and up to the mountains with our dogs. I could see for miles clear to the ocean across the beautiful coastal range.
My parents had 11 of us to raise, six boys, and five girls. We lived a simple life. Clean air and good homegrown food. My Dad would go out hunting with my brothers to provide for the family. I was always so impressed to watch my dad go out and hunt on horseback. His strength and devotion was something to admire, and the fact that I could always look to him for guidance was a real comfort.
Perhaps it was from my Mother that I first drew an interest in painting. Each time she would delve into her hobby I would be right there along side her with my own pain set. My father was also an artist in his own right. His work as a stone and brick mason was often an elaborate puzzle. Fitting large pieces of oddly shaped rocks together in perfect unison. Amazing. He built many beautiful fireplaces in homes all along the coast. Among all his accomplishments, the most notable one to me is his construction of the vietnam memorial stone wall in Newport. I couldn't be more proud of him.
Since those very first strokes of a paintbrush though, I have truly lived a life of inspiration. My mother and father encouraged me to examine the world closely, from the wildlife of the high mountain ranges to the aquatic life in the depths of the rivers and ocean surrounding my home. I have been blessed and have taken it all to heart.
"Nature is life and I want to express this feeling through my work." Jeanne continues today creating highly detailed art. Among the variety of tools she uses are sketches, still and underwater photography, as well as many items retrieved from areas that she is ever fond of in the northwest. Her ability to capture the quiet serenity of the forest and the breath of life in its creatures is unmistakable. Her love for the outdoors is overwhelming and apparent in each and every one of her works.
From childhood, Jeanne's dream has always been to become a nationally known wildlife artist. Although her career has spanned just a few short years, this dream has become a reality. Through her many successes Jeanne's work has caused a nation to stand up and take notice. Jeanne's entries in national art competitions have placed her in the top percentile.
In 1996, Jeanne completed two official Keiko/Free Willy Commemorative prints that she donated to the Oregon Coast Aquarium to help raise funds for Keiko.This project was a wonderful opportunity for Jeanne to accomplish two things she felt a tremendous need to do. Being from Oregon, she has a strong bond to this area. It is a large part of everything she is today. Jeanne felt very honored to be selected to do this project for the Oregon Coast Aquarium, to hopefully bring Keiko one step closer to freedom.
The Aquarium graciously agreed to display "Forever Faithful" in honor of her father's memory, a U.S. Marine who served his country well during World War II (U.S. Marine Corps Motto, "Semper-Fi" - Greek for "Forever Faithful"). Her father passed away just as this project started. Her father was very proud of what she was doing to help the Aquarium.
Jeanne has won recognition in every national contest she has entered, including 1st place with 1994 Association of Northwest Steelheaders,1st place with 1995 Washington State Wild Trout, Oregon State Wild Trout, and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, she placed in the top 3% of the Rocky Mountian Elk Foundation, with donations to RMEF as well as other conservation organizations. She is a featured artist in the book "Northwest Artist". She was also a featured artist on the television program "Northwest Explorer" as well recognized and profiled among 70 international artists in "Wildlife Art Magazine".
Today, after having raised four children of her own Jeanne continues to persue her dream in wildlife art. To somehow capture what God has so wonderfully created, and bring that breathtaking reality into the hearts and homes of others. At that, she certainly doesn't fall short.
