Janet (Jan) paints with acrylic, oil and watercolor. Jan loves nature and the beauty within, which is captured in most of her work. Her paintings lean towards realism, often enhanced to emphasize inspirational elements. She also paints portraits and does other commission work. 

Jan is the illustrator for the picture books: “Fire Bird: The Kirtland’s Warbler Story,” “Rosie’s Rescue: Rosie the Roseate Spoonbill,” and “The Lord Looks at Your Heart.”

Jan has been teaching part-time since the late 1990s, but her specialty is teaching watercolor painting. She has taught many classes at Northwestern Michigan College’s Extended Education Program, Mr. Pinn Gallery in Bellaire (now closed), and the Senior Center Network (at the Interlochen and Traverse City locations). 

Jan has received awards and recognitions for her book illustrations and has been a finalist in both an art show at the Grand Traverse Commons and wine label competition through Bowers Harbor Vineyards. She has shown her work throughout the region at various art shows (including juried exhibits) and fine art galleries. You can see her work now in the gift shops at Crooked Tree Art Center, Traverse City and Oliver Art Center, Frankfort.