Nanette Sloan Jenkins

“Paint what you love and that love will come through in your work.”

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My loves are many: nature, people, music, family, and great literature. Artistically, I am moved by nature, and at the same time, puzzled and challenged as to how to convey what I see and feel in a two dimensional form. Nature is my inspiration while the watercolor process is my fascination. I am constantly amazed at what the paint will do on the paper. I work to control the paint while at the same time, surprised and inspired seeing what it wants to do on its own. My love of art began with my younger brother who had a gift for drawing, even as a child, and a head for detailed knowledge of birds, which he loved. We both attended The Leo Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing in Aix-en Provence in the 70’s which solidified our love for painting. After 33 years as an elementary school teacher, I have dedicated my time to grandmothering, gardening, painting and music. I studied several years with Union artist, Betsy Skipper, and Florida artist, Dwight Rose. They both were great teachers and helped me begin to master watercolor techniques. I continue to take workshops and practice outside in nature. I am currently working with painted paper collage, acrylics and nature journaling, in addition to watercolor. I continue to work on my music, as well. I am currently a member of the acoustic trio, Sally’s Friends, and two old time string bands, Overmountain String Band and Hogback Mountain Band. With work and practice I hope that my paintings will truly express my love of both the subjects and the process.