Artist Statement
“Plein-air painting at a beautiful location is my challenge; I become deeply involved in the many transparent layers of colors, the flow of watercolor paints, and the excitement of what is happening before me. I find myself in a mind consuming process of selecting and simplifying visual information and transitioning the information through me and onto the watercolor paper. Being an artist has always been about being myself, visually documenting life, and savoring the creative experience.
I also enjoy creating “Snowpaintings” which originate with snow falling on canvas. I discovered this style of painting when I was working as an Art Therapist with children and took them outside to play and paint in the snow. The subject matter is imaginary and is derived by looking into the patterns that the snow has made on canvas. Originally designed and cut stencils are also used to section off areas and create layering effects. Many of the paintings are of winter scenes, but the painting style also lends itself to other subjects that speak of my life and interests. Painting in this way always leaves me with a deep sense of my connection to nature.
Being outside while it is snowing encourages a meditative state of mind; you can hear the snow falling, or see the distinct six points of a snowflake as it appears on a dark surface. There are many kinds of snow that create different textural effects on canvas, resulting in a veil that obscures, but also purifies and unifies the subject matter.”
Biography
Jennifer Hart began her art career as a Fashion Illustrator for Sage Allen & Co. in Hartford, Connecticut illustrating fashion and home goods for newspaper advertising. She then turned her career toward Art Therapy in a hospital setting for the past 27 years, fostering creative expression in children and utilizing Art as an evaluation and treatment tool.
Jennifer is also a member of a group of Plein-air Painters called, "The French Connection “who travel and paint at several locations in the state of CT. Her original watercolor paintings consist mainly of nature scenes, still life paintings, and paintings derived from the artist's own imagination.
Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Albertus Magnus College and also graduated with a Commercial Art Degree from Paire College of Art. Her work has been exhibited at various locations throughout Connecticut including Pegasus Gallery, Old Lyme Art Association, Rose Farm Gallery, The First Church Gallery, Zelkha Gallery at Wesleyan University, and Gallery 54 where she recently won an Honorable Mention. Other awards include 1st place in the New Haven Black Cultural History Festival, Honorable Mention at the Norwich Outdoor Arts Festival, and Third Best in show at Zelkha Gallery at Wesleyan University.
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