Welcome

 I descend from a family that produced more than the average number of painters, most notably my grandmother Hanny Van der Velde.  The house I grew up in was resplendent with her paintings and my mother’s work, also a gifted artist.  Thus, my exposure to painting and painters began early and left a lasting impression.  Protecting my vision has always been important to me and I tended to shun formal training. Consequently I am, for the most part a self taught painter.  In hindsight, I may have done better to take some instruction. Perhaps it’s just Dutch stubbornness.  I did spend a lot of time in museums though, studying the works of my favorite painters, Sargent, Vermeer, the impressionists, and the Canadian Group of Seven, to list a few.

Creativity drives my process.  I may have coined the phrase, “style is the death of creativity”.  One thing that people comment on when seeing my work is the diversity of subject and style.  This may not the most commercially viable business strategy and can actually hurt the “brand”. However, once painting feels less like creating, and more like manufacturing, I tend to move on.  Still, the viewer will notice some consistencies.  

As to an artist statement; the paintings are the statement.  There is no hidden or deep meaning.  I tend to paint what I believe to be beautiful, whether that’s a steel mill or a seashore. 

Regarding my audience.  I think I’d paint regardless of knowing that others will see my work. I do, however, shamelessly admit to the pleasure I take when my efforts result in moving viewer emotionally.  

Finally, thank you for taking the time to look around.  It means a lot to me.

- Jay