DUNE AFTERNOON, 36" x 24" oil on panel by Janice Czerwinski... Scroll down to view more coastal art.
Janice is a multi-talented artist when it comes to subject matter, however her heart lies in creating transportive coastal scenes. Creating a consistent body of work is something many artists strive for, but how does one keep similar subject matter fresh, painting after painting? A recent interview with award-winning, oil painter, Janice Czerwinski, sheds light on her inspired thinking process.
Art BEAT: WHY DID YOU SPECIALIZE IN COASTAL SCENES?
JANICE: Spending time along coastal beaches refuels my soul – it’s my happy place. I find a deep connection with God as I take it all in. All the varying colors, sounds, and movements our Creator infuses into the landscape amaze me – how He sustains and maintains it – I just want to absorb it. There are endless opportunities for painting beautiful coastal scenes all around us and I lean on Him to guide me through each painting.
Art BEAT: WHEN ASSESSING A COASTAL LOCALE, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A FOCAL POINT?
JANICE: My paintings feature a sunlit wave, path or reflection as the focal point. I love the play of light and shadow in a scene. I take hundreds of photo bursts with my professional camera then choose a few that have great potential. Most of the time I edit them in Photoshop to enhance compositions. Beach scenes can be painted en plein air but waves change too quickly so photo references are a necessary tool.
Art BEAT: HOW DO YOU KEEP A FRESH PERSPECTIVE FOR SELECTING AND PAINTING A COASTAL SCENE?
JANICE: The whole process is energizing from the moment I set foot on the beach. Beginning with studying the waves, sketching, photographing, and sometimes painting a plein air painting small study. Larger paintings are created in my studio. I don’t think I’ll ever get weary of painting coastal scenes – they’re all so beautiful and unique.
Art BEAT: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PAINTING LOCATIONS?
JANICE: I really don’t have a favorite because every coastal beach has been amazingly beautiful and different. Some with white sand, some brown, some have turquoise water, some blue, so I’m enjoying the adventure of discovering what’s out there. I’ve plein air painted along the coasts of Lake Michigan, Gulf and Atlantic Coasts of Florida, Laguna Beach, California, North Carolina, Mexico and Spain, so far. The coasts of Hawaii and Italy are on my bucket list.
Art BEAT: WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST OR FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING WHEN PAINTING THESE SCENES?
JANICE: I really enjoy the challenge of plein air painting sunrises or sunsets over a body of water. A photograph can’t capture these colors so I like to challenge myself to capture them by painting spontaneously and super-fast on an 8x10 using a palette knife. There is a very short window of time when catching a magnificent color display – it can be gone in as little as 15 minutes. As the sun moves, everything in the landscape and sky changes rapidly which means I need to paint fast. These small pieces are challenging, yet fun. Using a palette knife – my favorite tool – helps me avoid muddy colors and gives me the ability to apply paint quickly and cleanly. It’s just a wipe on my rag, then mix and scoop up a new color.
Here's how you can meet Janice in person and see her solo gallery show -- details below....
SOLO SHOW until May 16, 2023 -- CURRENTLY, YOU CAN SEE JANICE'S WORK IN THE HOLMSTAD TOWN CENTER GALLERY (Mezzanine Level) IN THE SENIOR COVENANT LIVING (MAIN BUILDING), 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia, IL.
Open Daily
9am-5pm
(No appointment necessary)
ALSO: If you’d like to join her for a small group gallery tour during this show, just email her to schedule.
Website: www.janiceczerwinski.com
Email: janice.czerwinski@gmail.com
SAGE RUSH, 48"x 45" oil on panel by Janice Czerwinski
DREAMWEAVER 48" x 30" oil on panel
ROLLERCOASTER 52" x 24" oil on panel
ROLLWITH IT 24" x 24" oil on panel
Janice at the Holmstad Town Center Gallery with Sage Rush 48" x 45" oil on panel.
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