Jan Porter
Artist Statement
Painting, whether canvas, mural or theater is about evoking feeling in the viewer. For my canvas art I want the paintings to take the viewer to a happy relaxed place. No stress or tension, just peace and calm. I use bright, deep colors and metallics, these are happy colors to me.
My paintings are not all of the same thing or even of the same method of painting. I like to try new things, explore different methods & subjects. This keeps it fresh and fun. Some are painted with a palette knife, some are very fluid and watery, others are deeply shaded to create the illusion of depth. Why do only one technique when there are so many to explore?
Art to me is all about the emotion it invokes in the viewer. A canvas on the wall creates a mood for the space. I want my paintings to create warm, welcoming, peaceful feeling for the space they occupy.
I have always loved to create but never had an art class until I decided to major in art when I went to college. My first semester was my first drawing class. I was hooked. I majored in Graphic Design but took every painting, drawing & illustration class offered. I worked in Graphic Design for Space Camp at The Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama for several years then “retired” to raise children. I have four adopted children with my husband of 30+ years. They are now almost grown and I have returned to painting.
I love painting big. I have done several murals in homes and have learned about scenic painting for the theater. I have been painting for Showtime Theatre Company in Rock Hill for the past 2 years & also for Westminster Catawba Christian School’s theater department. I also do the theatrical makeup, so I get to make an actor/actress into the old bird lady from Mary Poppins, or the Grinch from Sussical. This is so much fun to see the reaction of the audience to the sets & actors.
God has given me a gift and I want to share it with others in my paintings. I hope you enjoy.
Jan
Charlotte, NC
