We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeanne Hansen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jeanne, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I came from an artistic family. My Aunt Jeanne and Uncle David Kouwenaar were a known sculptress and abstract painter in Bergen, Netherlands. Their successful careers taught me that art was a path.
At age eight, I was struck by a glass truck speeding in our residential neighborhood. My healing involved six weeks in traction for a broken left arm and leg. My right arm was free to draw and help pass the long days.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My focus is on creating and promoting my art. I recently returned from a three week tour of Europe with my husband, Scott. HIGHLIGHTS: We started at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In Paris, France we saw, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and the Musee de l’Orangerie. In Giverny, we enjoyed Monet’s Garden with the Lily Ponds. Finishing up our tour in Italy: Lakes Como and Garda, Cinque Terre and Cortina in the Dolomite mountains. Looking forward to painting new art inspired by our journeys.
Locally, I will be part of two art shows at the:
Utah Cultural Celebration Center, SLC, Utah
American Association of University Women: Utah Artists Exhibition
Thurs. Sept. 5 – Wed. Oct, 2024
Water Pilgrimage: Where the Rivers End
Thurs. Jan. 9 – Tues. Feb. 25, 2025
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. CURIOSITY- I love many styles of art from many countries. This was enlightened in my travels through Europe this Summer. From the Dutch Masters in the Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam to the
French painters of Paris at the Louvre, Impressionists painters at the Musee d’Orsay. Monet’s paintings at the Musee de l’Orangerie and at his Maison & Jardins at Giverny were very memorable.
2. A GOOD SENSE OF COLOR- Before I start a plein air painting, I create my own color palette strips on site. Photographs distort the color, contrast is heightened and subtle mid-tones are lost.
3. A GOOD WORK ETHIC- Art and design excellence doesn’t come easily. Working late into the night is necessary to create fine work with a deadline.
ADVICE FOR THOSE FOLKS EARLY IN THEIR JOURNEY
1. “Learn Your Skill and Go After It With Passion.”
2. Ask a lot of questions. Don’t be intimidated by people. Show an interest in other’s artwork and most people are pleased to give advice.
3. Try new things and techniques. Try a new painting skill or color out on a practice sheet, play with it before you
apply it to your painting.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Learning to paint reflective water in a stream with oil paints. It has many layers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jeannehansenart.com
- Instagram: @hansenartbydesign
Image Credits
Personal Photo Mitch Hughes http:/picturethisslc.com
Art Photos ” Ethereal & Tributary
Travel Photos Scott Hansen Dutch Canal, Lake Como, Dolomite Mountains
Travel Photos Jeanne Hansen Eiffel Tower, Monet Lily Pond, Venice Canal
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