Jan and her husband, Gil, maintain a studio/home just outside of Chelsea, Michigan, near Ann Arbor. A graduate of Central Michigan University, with a major in art, Jan has been passionate about painting for more than 40 years. She uses acrylic paint on paper and may include collage for textured effects.
Her current work is conceptual in nature, developed through years of painting and experimentation. She strives to keep her paintings unique and fresh and has gained the respect of both collectors and peers for her creativitiy, integrity, and innate use of color.
Rarely does she begin with a preconceived idea of a finished painting. Each brush stroke suggests a new and challenging direction as the painting evolves. In her abstract, impressionistic style, she does not draw what she sees, but paints what she feels.
Painting creatively requires an open mind. Jan prefers not to name her paintings, allowing each viewer to observe her work in a 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 heart 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. Everyone who knows us, knows I couldn't do it without him. He's even had a few offers to manage other artists. That's why I treat him so nice.
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 what 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.