Jan Dorer painted passionately for more than 40 years. Her husband Gil assisted with the business side - the two made a professional career of painting beginning in 1972.

Jan Dorer passed away on April 6, 2010 from Alzheimer's. (Read the April 2010 "Gil Says..." for Jan's full obituary).

Her most recent work was conceptual in nature, developed through years of painting and experiementation. She always strove to keep her paintings unique and fresh. She gained the respect of both collectors and peers for her creativity, integrity, and innate use of color.

Rarely did she begin with a preconceived idea of a finished painting. Each brush stroke suggested a new and challenging direction as each painting evolved. In her abstract, impressionistic style, she did not draw what she saw, but painted what she felt.

Painting creatively required Jan to keep an open mind. She chose to name only a few paintings - almost all are numbered. This encourages the viewer to observe her work in his or her unique and personal way.

 

In Her Own Words...

"Someone once said to me, "Jan, you've become an overnight success." Then we both laughed and agreed it had only taken 35 years.

Yes, most days I do feel successful. Thinking back over the years, I thank my family for allowing me to follow my heard to make paintings. Gil has been there from the start, encouraging me to paint, and our two children grew up framing, matting, and working for us at art fairs. With the team concept in full swing in 1972, we devoted our lives to art, full time. Gil has given me emotional and physical support as well as managing the business end of Dorer Studio.

Our life in the arts has been the best. Meeting both artists and patrons who have become long-time friends and seeing the smile on the face of someone who has just purchased an original painting for the first time --- these are some of the happenings that make this life so worthwhile.

I sincerely believe that I paint because of who I am. I hope my work reflects the softness - and yet the boldness - the sensitivity of lines together with the strength of vivid color, sometimes a hint of realism buried in the sea of abstraction.Maybe this is who I am."