We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jan Goodwin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jan below.
Jan , so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.
My Dad was military, meaning we moved very frequently around the U.S. and abroad. I attended high school in Spain and Italy. After graduating, I traveled in Europe with a friend for two months.
The changing locations, the constant influx of new people, different perspectives and beliefs were all great influences for me and practically demanded that I was to make friends quickly, open myself up and believe myself to be interesting, as well. It just wasn’t possible to shy away from these experiences and ignore anything.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have retired from work at this point, but retain my nurses license in case I need to return to it for added income.
Painting came late in life for me, but I can say at this juncture that it is my love and daily job. Now I’m selling my art through a website, vendor shows and private commissions.
My art is hanging in a non profit gallery here where I live in North Texas, with very responsive sales I’m happy to say!
I’ve been asked to teach a few small classes of teachers in relation to their own interests in content for future students.
Recently I have submitted my pieces to a private group to be juried for admission to an outside art show.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Well, I can say that I am one of those early in my journey!! I would just ask they not give up, realize that sellable art takes some time to master and paint what gives you pleasure and fills your own soul. Someone, somewhere out there will love it and that admiration will give you the confirmation that your work can be found in the heart of a stranger. That’s a good feeling knowing your art is in someone’s home or even gifted to someone they love.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Without a doubt, I am enamored by someone who walks up to my display, starts to smile and rushes in to get closer look. They are so much fun to talk to and they are the ones with questions about technique and my inspiration for the piece they are drawn to.
Not everyone is going to love my art and that’s been a huge revelation for me. My friends and family are always supporting me, but strangers….not so much. And I’ve learned that’s ok. Because then along comes one of those buyers that help to validate your hard work and snatches up one of those paintings you thought you’d never get rid of! Patience is truly a virtue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jangoodwinart.com
- Instagram: @jangoodwinart
- Facebook: Jan Boyd Goodwin
Image Credits
My personal photos
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
