Jan Oliver Art

The Angel of the Resurrection

2011-04-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Angel of the Resurrection
by Jan Oliver

Matthew 28:1 Jesus Is Risen!
1Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. 5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7“Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

About this painting
It seems always at this time of year that the paintings which come to me are about Easter. Starting early in spring, my mind becomes flooded with images of women carrying flowers to church and thoughts of Easter. A few days ago as I began work on this painting, I began to spend time meditating as I painted on the role of The Angel of Resurrection, the angel which was the first to announce the resurrection of our Lord.

What a message of hope that must have been to the disciples! Although Christ had told the apostles that he would rise from the dead, (Matt. 26:2) it's clear that after His crucifixion that the apostles were grieving deeply and that even after Christ revealed himself to them that some (St. Thomas) doubted.

So for me, the Angel of the Resurrection begins this process of the reawakening of hope and of faith in the minds and hearts of the apostles. And for me this is something I can really relate to. You see, I'm one of those people that need a frequent reminder to trust in God. That's because when faced with suffering, it is so easy to lose hope. It is so easy to forget that Christ is always there for us and that he has a plan for our lives....and that we just need to trust in Him.

Some who are close to me know that personally I've faced some challenging times over the past two years. I lost a close family member and a life-long dear friend, faced the failure of a 17-year relationship, and dealt with health issues and surgeries. It's been difficult. But, I've also grown in my relationship with the Lord. It seems that in our deepest suffering, God seems to send angel(s) to roll away the stone so that we can "enter in" and seek the Lord with a more open heart, And when that stone is finally rolled away, just as he told us, we find that he is already there walking beside us as he was with the Apostles on road to Emmaus.

In this painting, The Angel of Resurrection holds 12 calla lilies, one to remember each of the 12 apostles (St. Peter, St. James (son of Zebedee), St. John (son of Zebedee), St. Andrew, St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St. Mathew, St. Thomas, St. James the Less (son of Alphaeus), St. Jude, St. Simon (the Zealot), and St. Mathias (who replaced Judas Iscariot).

I hope this painting brings you a few moments of joy and serves as a reminder of that day when the angel rolled away the stone and declared "He is risen!".

Have a blessed Easter

Day 5: The Gratitude Challenge - Laura's Friendship

2011-01-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

So today's challenge is to call someone I haven't talked to in a while and express my gratitude for their friendship. Upon retrospect, I would have chosen to call Laura Cox St. John. It has been a while since we talked, it would be good to hear her voice.

All except for one thing.

We lost Laura two days ago. Laura was my best friend in high school and a playmate when I was a very young child. We were the same height, had the same color hair and eyes and when we were teens people called us the "twins". We both loved gymnastics. Laura was a person of extraordinary inner beauty as well as outer beauty. She was full of life, joy, smiles, encouragement and support for anyone she met.

Sadly, we fell out of touch after high school but I was blessed to reconnect with her a few years ago. We exchanged piles of emails and talked on the phone and discovered that both of us had grown up to become strong creative women. Laura had sailed around South America, climbed mountains, jumped out of airplanes, climbed water towers, she was a powerful adventurer. Of late she was running a coffee shop in Buffalo Texas which had become a wonderful living resource for her community—full of life, just like Laura. A few days before she passed away, we corresponded over Facebook about Coffee and Art. I never imagined we would lose her so soon.

But the Lord has his own time for us all, and although I cannot understand now why he would take home such a beautiful young woman, he did. Laura died in a car accident on January 3rd. Over a thousand miles away, my heart is just broken at the loss of such a wonderful friend. But, as I look at her picture taped to my refrigerator, I am simply filled with gratitude for having been so blessed to have known her. I will remember her smile, her enthusiasm, and her profound courage. Yes, this courage of Laura's....never afraid to try something new...this will be how I carry her with me in my heart. I will remember to keep her spirit inside me, and never be afraid to try something new. God speed Laura Cox St. John. I miss you so much.

» Laura's memorial video:

Gratitude Challenge - Day 4: Counting my Blessings

2010-12-27T17:58:00.000-08:00

Today the assignment is to spend five minutes writing about the things in my life that I am grateful for. This is an easy one...but it's a long list I can only start here...

I guess I will start at the top.

I'm grateful for a loving and compassionate God. I'd be lost without him (really). I'm grateful for my beautiful son, he is the most wonderous of all my creations. I'm grateful for my family, because I have one and so many people do not. Although they are spread far and wide and sometimes we are out of sync with each other in some of our views, I know they are there. There is great power and love in family.

I'm grateful for my health. After a year or two of dealing with my own issues, my challenges felt completely miniscule today when I watched a young mother carrying a small infant in a baby carrier out to her car from the Urgent Care center where I had taken my mother to the doctor for a bad cold. It was not that unusual of a sight, a young mother carrying a baby. It was just that the mother wore a bandana tied around her bald head...she was undergoing chemotherapy. I nearly burst into tears imagining how difficult it must be to walk in her shoes. What a heavy load she must be carrying. What courage she must have. I sat in awe of her strength and I don't even know her name. My own difficulties immediately became embarrassing to me.

I'm grateful for my dearest friend who has shown me uncommon compassion and caring. I am strengthened, inspired and encouraged by his friendship. And, I'm grateful for so many small things...like the beautiful sunset this evening over Pueblo. To live in the West is to be blessed by the people, the culture, by a thousand beautiful sunsets painted by God each day.

Peace,
Jan

Day 3: Of Negative Vibes and Growth

2010-12-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

So the assignment for today is to write about some of the negative things in my life which I'm grateful for. This is an interesting topic for today, in that there is a whole raft of stuff in the last week that absolutely did not go the way I really wanted it to. And, after much swimming against the current, I suppose I've discovered by force that sometimes there is just a different inertia in the water...and you're just going to have to go with where it takes you. Maybe this is God's way of moving us along when we just fail to "get it" on our own. Or, maybe it's his grace in action. Whatever the case, he's got the bigger view after all. From my vantage point, I realize now I could not see the forest for the trees. So today I am grateful for God's patience and grace. I don't always like the hard lessons in life, but they do help me to grow.

Of patience and love - Day 2: The Gratitude Challenge

2010-12-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

"Dat Rosa Mel Apibus" The Bee Gets it's Honey from the Rose (Mary)

Day 2 Assignment:
Write about something you feel grateful for.

I woke up to our first snow this morning, a soft dusting of wet powdery whiteness covering everything, still untouched by people or cars. It was quiet. In the silence, I thought to myself: it's official I guess, winter is here.

Now I must shift to seeing the world around me covered in a white blanket. The muted shades of the desert around me that I have become so accustomed to seeing in graduating shades of sage, ocher, browns and reds now transform into shades of white, gray and black. It's an annual lesson in seeing the world around me differently.

Rather inadvertently, this thought took me to what I am grateful for today.... "lessons in seeing the world around me differently". There's been so much going on over the past year. I had not expected that the Lord would bring transformation to virtually every area of my life. But, this is after all is how we grow in Christ. Christ tells us in his parable: New wine cannot be placed in old wine skins. ~Luke 5:33-39.

Like the caterpillar, we must be completely transformed. I feel like a butterfly, newly emerged from a cocoon of my own making, with wet wings opening slowly to a new world, feeling the sunshine and the vitality of life running through my new form. I'm energized, sometimes panicked and excited to try my wings. A friend reminds me to "be myself", "listen for God's will", to "slow down"...wise words.

So today I'm grateful for God's enduring patience and love, for lessons in seeing the world differently and for bringing a "misguided angel" into my life to be my dearest friend through it all. I am so grateful and truly blessed.

Peace and Blessings,
Jan

About the painting above: Dat Rosa Mel Apibus means "The Bee Gets it's Honey from the Rose". The Rose is an ancient Christian symbol for the Virgin Mother, the hive a symbol for the church and the bee's are symbolic of Christians and our call to be "at work" in the service of the Lord. The Butterfly is an ancient Christian symbol for Resurrection and new life.

Of Gratitude and Healing - The Gratitude Challenge

2010-12-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

OK, so even artists who paint "happy joyful paintings" have really crummy days sometimes. In fact, the reality of being an artist is that we are "sensitive folk"...we "feel" our way through life and that raw emotional stuff is what we pour onto our canvas for others to see and perhaps understand/experience in their own way. Joy, love, faith, hope, sadness, it's all in there. And, although I'm not about to cut off my ear like Vincent Van Gogh, I have tough days sometimes.

This day falls into that category. Its been a day where virtually everything that came out of my mouth managed to make matters worse, where I failed to be able to really listen to those I love and where no matter what, I could not get out of my own emotional way to be able to lift myself above my own needs to be truly compassionate to someone I care about. In short, I blew it (A...gain) in the unconditional love category.

So on days such as this, I go looking for God, because without God, I could struggle for days/weeks to regain balance and the truth is that I cannot afford to do that. I made a promise some years back that my life would be about painting for God, about spreading a message of hope and love and peace to the world and I simply cannot allow myself the time to "waller" or be distracted by my own self-imposed pity party. So for me, it's about seeking forgiveness and re-finding God's love (as if it were ever lost?) and lifting myself up (A...gain) as we would say in my family "by my bootstraps" so that I can focus on what is my mission in life-Painting for God.

So, in looking for God today on the Internet, I ran across "The Gratitude Challenge". Just watching the video reminded me that I am already so blessed and in just a few minutes I felt love, inspiration, a sense of joy and could feel his tiny stitches beginning to mend my broken heart. When other's share and express their stories of love and gratitude, it truly does flow out like a ripple in the ocean. Today, it rippled right through the Internet into me. In any event, I've decided to take the challenge: to blog for 21 days - simply giving thanks.

So here goes: Today I'm grateful for:

(assignment: Use the alphabet to make a list of things you feel grateful for)

to be Alive and healthy
Bees - otherwise, we'd starve
Child - my wonderful son Trevor and his Compassionate heart.
my Dad
Electricity - it's such a blessing
Friends - most especially my dear friend who has the courage to call me up to a higher standard (in everything) not out of perfectionism or dogma but for God. And for God's Forgiveness when I fall short.
God and and his Gift of art to me and for the Gratitude project for inspiring me out of my funk today
Rides on a Harley because it's one of the most fun things I've done in 20 years
Inspiration from so many other artists
My JOB
The Kindness of others
Love 'cuz it fuels the universe, for those who love me and those who allow me to love them
The Mountains and beauty where I live and especially for my Mom
Open spaces because they capture my soul
Painting because it gives me so much joy
Quick drying acrylic paint...because I'm not patient enough to paint with oils
Reading because books are wonderful
The Sweetness and bitterness of life
Time - every blessed moment of every day that I can live, love and paint
The Understanding of my good friends
V-twin engines...because they sound so groovy
Water, simply water
X...you got me on this one?
Yes...because the word opens the door to endless possibility
Zoro because I love the notion of a masked bandit who stands for the common people

If you'd be interested in participating the Gratitude Challenge, follow this link:
» The Gratitude Challenge

Peace and Love,
Jan

Of fleeting glimpses of beauty, of witnessing the indwelling Christ

2010-12-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Most mornings I wake up thinking about my loved ones, those persons I care for most deeply in the world. My moments between sleep and wakefulness are often a jumble of their names and faces, small prayers, bits of dreams, and then the reality of morning; the light shining in my bedroom window, the neighborhood rooster crowing, the pain in my back. Finally, I lumber out of bed, a night person...mornings are a struggle for me.

This morning, I woke up writing this blog in my mind—and seeing again and again in my head the beautiful images I had witnessed the night before. Sipping cherry ale with friends, I had spent the wee hours of the evening being treated to an impromptu concert of beautiful acoustical guitar solos and duets. For those who know me, you know how I love acoustical guitar (I paint to it), especially Spanish acoustical guitar...it has the power to leave me almost breathless to paint, energized and inspired—like a key that flings open the doors of my heart and lets the warm light and sound fill my soul.

So, on this night, two musicians sat before me. I've known these friends now for a little while, seen their faces, delighted in the peculiar ways of each, and one has become a person who has profoundly affected my life, my art. But on this night I saw something so beautiful in each that I had not witnessed before. With words put away, they spoke to my heart in another language....so sweetly poured out from within their souls. Beautiful Spanish riffs, flowing bits of anthems from the 60s and bits of impromptu creations poured out of them. Watching them play, fingers flowing gently, gracefully, tenderly over taught strings, the intense but sweet smiles on their faces, I saw the moment captured in my mind in a painting. (stay tuned for that.)

These moments, these sweet moments in life are the stuff I hope to paint. They are moments where the "veil" of our humanity is lifted, when we can truly "see" in ordinary people, our loved ones, our neighbors, our friends, the indwelling of Christ's spirit. In these moments, I find that the person in front of me is completely transformed and I am only present to the love that is in them. In these moments, I've experienced glimpses of their "holiness" as God-created beings and in those moments there is no awareness of the mundane, of strife, of limitations, or of human imperfection. For me, in these moments, I witness only perfection and love.

Pondering such experiences leads me to wonder if perhaps this is how Christ sees us all of the time. Perhaps to be able to truly "see" and "hear" one another as Christ sees us is what unconditional love is all about. And perhaps, this "learning" to see all the people in our lives, especially those we love most dearly, beyond our small imperfections—while still helping each other to grow, is what we are here for in the first place.

In any event, I was lifted up, inspired and moved.

I feel blessed and this morning I am present to so much of God's love in the world and simply so greatful.

Peace,
Jan

Of Saints, Bikers and Santas - The 2010 Pueblo Toy Run

2010-12-04T23:34:00.000-08:00

It was just 31 degrees when we passed the bank sign this morning at 8am. With my arms wrapped tightly around my friend Gary Gennetta (affectionately known as the G-Man), we roared out onto the highway on his beautiful Harley Wide Glide accompanied by another biker friend. With Santa hats pulled down tight over our fur hats, mine was quickly lost to the wind. To ride in 31 degree weather, I've recently learned requires serious preparedness, cold gear, heavy leather chaps, jacket, goggles, gloves, etc.

Gary and Jan

And with the skill of someone who's been riding for more than 30 years, before we leave, Gary checks and double-checks that I'm suited up right. Before long, we join others for breakfast before the Toy Run. I've come to learn that this group of bikers are much more than motorcycle enthusiasts, they are a family. We're greeted with warm hugs and smiles.

Soon, we all begin to gather at the staging ground for the 2010 Toy Run. Since this is my first Toy Run, everything is new to me. I've never seen so many bikers before in my life. From every direction comes the familiar sound of v-twin engines. Hundreds, then more than a thousand converge on the parking lot of the High School.
» View more pics

Wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers, with teddy bears and toys strapped to their bikes...this crowd of folks dressed in black leathers, wearing bandanas, some looking ominous are instead transformed in front of my eyes.

These "bikers" who I was warned about as a young girl, are not what I have been taught. What I see are smiles, people hugging one another, folks with warm hearts, up early on a Saturday morning, braving frigid temperatures and wind...all to deliver toys to children in need. Burley bikers with scraggly beards all of a sudden are recognizable as "slightly rough" looking versions of St. Nicholas...their spirit of giving evident in their faces. As a painter of Saints...I am transfixed. Here, among this group of people, so often represented in a negative way by the media, I see the true spirit of Christian giving and of Christmas.

As more bikers arrive, Gary tells me to "listen" as the crowd grows, "hear the thunder?" he says...and I do. It vibrates in my chest, surrounds everything. It's ominous and wonderful all at the same time.

Bikers rev their engines, pressing the cops to let us ride out of the parking lot. Soon, we are off to cheers from families lining the streets to cheer us on.

Roaring along the streets of Pueblo, I smile ear to ear. What a painter needs to be inspired is Love, God's Love and here among this group of folks with such big hearts, I found just that on this chilly day.

In the last month, I've begun to learn alot while riding on the back of the G-man's bike. I've learned not to "over steer" (to trust God more), to judge people less with my eyes and more with my heart, not to miss living fully out of fear, that many bikers—like Gary are actually committed "warriors" for Christ and that friendship and family in whatever form is such a blessing.

G-man, I am so greatful and this post is for you.
Thank you!

Gary Gennetta

Join me at "Own Your Own 2010" - Collector Preview

2010-11-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

Well believe it or not, the holidays are just around the corner and that means it's time for one of the best and most well-attended shows in Pueblo — The 2010 "Own Your Own" show at the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center in Pueblo.

This year I'll have 10 pieces in the show including 2 new Santos (sculptures).

The show opens Wednesday evening, November 17th from 5-7 with food and spirits. It's always a fabulous show and I would love to see you there! In addition to my work there is always a beautiful array of art from many of Southern Colorado's regional artists! Please come support the arts in Pueblo!

If you are reading this, it's because you've visited my blog, friended me on Facebook or signed up for my mailing list, so that means you get a free preview of my works in the show:
» Preview the show.

If for some reason you cannot attend but are interested in purchasing a work in the show, please contact the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center and ask for Karin Larkin or the Assistant Curator for the Own Your Own show at 719-295-7200. They can assist with payment arrangements.

As always, thank you very much to all my friends and collectors for all your support through the years. Your support is a blessing to me and helps me to continue painting to spread a visual message of God's love. If you'd like to keep up with my shows, the best way is to friend me on Facebook or check my web site at http://www.janoliver.com.

Wishing you and your families peace and joy this Christmas season.

Transformation

2010-10-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

This past year has been such a transformation for me. I've continued to grow as an artist, saw my son go off to college and went through three cancer scares in one year. With thanks to God, all of my tests came back benign and I spent the summer recovering from two surgeries. The whole process has caused me to almost completely redefine myself. I've been in a process of being remade from the inside out. And at times, I've felt completely overwhelmed, having shared very little of this with those outside my close family.

In life we come to define ourselves with a lot of labels: mother, artist, wife, friend, employee, so many labels. But throughout this process, Christ has reminded me that before any of those labels apply, I am first a Christian and that my art and my life is all a blessing which flows from him.

Beyond everything I've mentioned, David and I had been struggling for many years. Over the past four years, we struggled to reconcile issues which plagued our relationship to no avail. During that time, David moved back to Denver and lived half time between Denver and Pueblo. Over that time, we've done alot of soul searching and done much work to try to resolve our issues. And although we continue to care deeply for each other, some time back we made the decision to divorce after 16 years together. We will continue to be friends, support each other's work, and will pray for peace for the world.

Although this transformation process has been one of the most difficult periods of my life, it has also been a process of rebirth. I feel an internal softening taking place, my heart is healing and I am beginning to find joy again and deeper commitment to my relationship with God. All these changes are stirring my art, my heart, my soul. The sun is rising on a new day of my life and I am simply living out of gratitude for each blessed moment.

It has taken me some time to find the words and courage for this blog but felt the time had come to share this with you all...my extended family of friends, collectors and supporters. I hope that you will pray for me during this time. I'll be praying too.

Daily Inspirations: Sweetie Chair by Flair Robinson Studio

2010-10-13T18:05:00.001-07:00

Sweetie Chair
Originally uploaded by Flair Robinson Studio

I love folks who are totally free to express themselves....AND I love a fabulous chair. Check out this SO cool Sweetie Chair by Flair Robinson Studio. My hat's off!

St. Francis, All Creatures Great and Small by Jan Oliver

2010-10-12T18:26:00.001-07:00

This is a new St. Francis. Considering my friend Buddy the squirrel has given me so much joy over the season, I had to put him in a painting.

The Last Harvest by Jan Oliver

2010-10-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

This basket of the last of my heirloom tomatoes is just so full of colors I love. Red and green and yellows and oranges. I'll make Paula Deen's Green Tomato Cake with the green tomatos and stuff the rest in a bag to ripen.

Here's the recipe. The green tomatos carmelize and take on the most amazing date/raisin type taste. It is absolutely heavenly.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/green-tomato-cake-with-brown-butter-icing-recipe/index.html

71 pounds of apples by Jan Oliver

2010-10-12T18:18:00.001-07:00

I'm so proud of my harvest this year. 71lbs of apples from just one little tree. A tad wormy I admit, but that's OK, I can cut away the bad part and make good applesauce and pies. Working in my garden is always an inspiration to my painting. Colors and textures and smells are some of the stuff I need to feed my muse!

All Things are Possible by Jan Oliver

2010-10-12T18:16:00.001-07:00

Here is something in a very different palette for me. This little primitive is 6x6 on a wood block. I've been wanting to try a few different things from time to time. So it's good to step out of my traditional style from time to time. Working in this palette gives me practice at doing retablos in a more traditional color palette, should I ever want to.

Jan's Favs: Daily Inspiration

2010-09-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

Daily Inspiration:
Art and Faith in the Desert, Art and Faith in the Borderlands

In all the fury of the upcoming political campaigning it seems of late that the heat regarding the politics of Immigration along the Southern border seems to be rising to a torrential flame. A politician has posted a billboard showing a beautiful brown family, labelling them as threats to American safety. I am horrified.

Mixed in with all this talk that spills out of my TV is yet more talk of Christianity and Christian values, but often the rhetoric I hear are not words I recognize as my faith. I do not hear the values of the Beatitudes being spoken by these persons who seem to have such great access to the media. I am saddened, sometimes feeling as if we are lost in our own desert, a place where compassion and love can be as scarce as water in the Sonoran desert.

But today, I found inspiration in the gentle words penned by Valarie James. Her epistles (letters) as she calls them, fasten together the fleeting images of families who endure the desert sun in their pilgrimage to a place, a country, where they believe they will find hope for themselves and for their families. With tender words, she weaves them into a whole cloth which reveals the texture and color of their trials. I was stopped suddenly in my hurried rush of scanning internet news and stories. I was inspired.

For a time, as I continued to read on, I imagined Christ, St. Francis and Our Lady standing at the border—their arms outstretched to receive these exhausted pilgrims with food, water and spiritual comfort. Then, I was moved to paint.

What a gift Ms. James has shared with us all. How powerful is a voice when it is infused with love!

See also: Las Madres Project

The Continuing Adventures of Buddy the Sunflower Lumberjack

2010-09-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

So I stepped out to the garden at lunch today to see the last of my giant sunflowers bobbing up and down. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was my pal Buddy, who was launching himself over and over onto the sunflower stalk. Once on the stalk, he would climb quickly take a bite into the sunflower branch and fall off. Then, he would climb up onto my garden shed, relaunch himself onto the stalk and repeat the whole process. Slowly but surely he was harvesting every last flower! I was struck by how persistent he was, absolutely determined to get every last blossom. I wonder, am I this persistent in getting what I want? How often do we all give up when things get a little tough? So today, a toast to Buddy, for a reminder to be absolutely dogged (or perhaps squirrelish) in the pursuit of my dreams!

BIG Art

2010-09-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

Mural done by John Lorne (Slip) in Albuquerque based on my painting "Pilgrimage to Chimayo"

About a year ago I was contacted by Graffiti artist John Lorne (aka Slip) about using one of my paintings as a source for a mural in an area being revitalized in Albuquerque. I said "sure, go ahead" and later he sent me a picture of his masterpiece done in aerosol. The Alibi wrote a great article about John's work and his commitment to revitalizing disadvantaged neighborhoods. Graffiti artists are often not recognized as fine artists, but I will tell you John's work takes talent and he's also got heart! I hope you will check it out!

See John's BIG mural based on my painting "Pilgrimage to Chimayo":
» View article and mural
» John's Blog

The Beauty of Not Knowing What You're Doing

2010-09-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

When I was a little kid, I used to love to play under the shade of the beautiful spreading oak trees of Texas. Their roots created a wonderful living sculpture around their massive base. And all around were acorns, hundreds of acorns. (I still can smell them.) In my childhood world, the acorns became my "people" and the winding roots of the trees became the "walls" around their little community. I would sit for hours in quiet imaginary play making up everything in their imaginary world, characters of varying personalities and fabulous adventures for them to participate in.

From the black gumbo soil, I would make mud patties and little clay bowls for my people, gather flowers and shells to decorate their "table". I needed no instructions, no guidebook, no training. I just invented as I went along. I believe that this place of feeling free to invent as we go along is at the very source of creativity.

We live in a world where there are lots of instructions for doing things. Our parents begin by telling us what we can and cannot do, then follow with instructions on how to do other things. We go to school and learn more about how to do still more things and then in life we meet more folks who tell us exactly how we should do things. In some cases, we are penalized for not doing things the right way. Many of these rules are obviously useful and good, but I think for many we become so burdened by the weight of all these instructions and rules that we begin to forget that we ever had some of our own thoughts on how to do something....ju.....st a little bit differently.

Eventually, for some, all access to this place of "invention on the fly" becomes limited. Others compartmentalize it and still others become so mentally introspective that they cannot free themselves from the endless mental analysis of whether they should do or not do a thing or try anything new. It can be so frustrating. In the few art classes I've taught, I've seen the level of pain people have experienced trying desparately to free themselves from these self-imposed creative chains. I hear people say things like "I'm not creative, I can't even draw stick figures". Baloney!

I'm not suggesting here that you go out and break laws or violate moral norms and rules just about freeing ourselves up to allow for more of our own creative expression in areas where it's actually natural, healthy and good for humanity. If you want to add some saffron to your spaghetti sauce, do it. If you think you might like to take up photography, buy a camera and take some pictures. If you would like to wear different colored socks, show them off with pride. If you want to paint pictures of space aliens, why not?

I believe God made each of us with unique creative gifts and that he did not leave out a single person. By shutting down that still small creative voice within ourselves, we are essentially "turning off" our access to the creative Spirit and to the source from which all creation flows.

I love this funny little blue wire angel in my garden. I picked it up at a thrift store somewhere. It was gold and I painted it blue. Sitting next to my hydranga in bloom, they both nearly burst with life with arms outstretched saying "Celebrate! Live! Love! Create! and Grow!

Upcoming Holiday Show Schedule

2010-09-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

Don't miss these two upcoming shows:

October 9, 2010 9 am to 4 pm
at the La Junta Art Walk!
at Somewhere on San Juan
422 San Juan, La Junta, CO

November 17 5-7 pm
at the Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center annual "Own Your Own" show!
Pueblo, CO

Press Clippings

2010-09-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

A number of organizations have been so kind as to feature my work in their publications and fundraisers. The press that results is a great gift to an artist. I hope you'll support these organizations who work to support living artists like me!

Top Row:
Tradicion Revista
La Fiesta de Colores
The Sangre De Cristo Arts & Conference Center

Middle Row:
Nexus Publications
The Pueblo Chieftain
Springs Magazine

Bottom Row:
The Taos News
The Catholic Diocese of Pueblo

Jan's Favs - Texas-to-Mexico

2010-09-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a Texan living on the Colorado/New Mexico border needs a little bit of home. Although I love many New Mexican dishes, New-Mex cuisine is very different than Tex-Mex and Mex-Mex cuisine I grew up on. So, if you are ever hankering for some of the best recipes in that category, the blog to visit is Texas-to-Mexico. Dee Kincke dishes up some amazing recipes that get my mouth watering just looking at the pictures. She also posts some beautiful photography and stories of Texas and Mexico. After all, a painter can't paint if they haven't eaten. Why not let that be some really good food!

Jan's Favs - The Mercy Blog

2010-09-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a link list to some of my favorite blogs. So, we'll start with "The Mercy Blog". Penned by MikeF, a self described Franciscan, ex-dairy herdsman, musician, writer and contemplative based in the southwest of the UK, Mike writes warmly and thoughtfully about gratitude, grace and the simple gifts that we receive as blessings. Today, he posted his thoughts about my newest painting "Saint Francis and Friends". I hope you'll check it out, not so much to see my painting, but to consider his thoughtful words about how we can strive to live in a "Peaceable Kingdom".

As an artist and social justice Christian, I'm concerned about issues like Peace, workers rights, domestic violence, the environment, sustainable farming and living and the care of the poor. So, I use my art to paint images that symbolically reflect these things in greater harmony. Mike does a wonderful job citing some of the Bible's most beautiful scripture on the subject (Isaiah 11: 1-9) and has given me a great gift in simply acknowledging that he understood my message—the ultimate gift for a painter! He goes further and adds his thoughtful words, extending the message and giving the reader even more to ponder in quiet moments.

Of note as well I think is his recent posting entitled The Mercy Blog: White Stones.... His discussion of the power of our Spiritual name is thought provoking and moving—speaking to the importance of how we interact with others in our world everyday.

New Painting: Saint Francis and Friends by Jan Oliver

2010-09-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Saint Francis and Friends
16x20

Here's a painting I just finished. Saint Francis tucked into a little nicho in a village church. The sunflowers are inspired by my own giant sunflowers in my back yard. The doves, special to Saint Francis, are also a frequent siting (my neighbor diagonally has about 30 or so which periodically circle the neighborhood-they're lovely). One of my black kitties also takes center stage. Enjoy!

Take a Tour of my Garden and Studio

2010-09-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

If you follow me on facebook, you can often find me talking about my gardening adventures. My garden plays a big part in my art and creative expression. I learn so much about color and texture and beauty by being in my garden. We bought our house in 2004. At the time there was nothing alive in the front or back yard. It had been forclosed two years prior and with no water, the front and back yards were essentially one big adobe brick. There were no trees, flowers, grass, nothing.

So, these images are taken over the past three years. It's really starting to bloom now with much hard work and care. I'm a big believer in recyling, so many of my garden structures are recycled. My picket fence is built from broken down pallets (141), my trellis are old chain link gates, my garden art from various recycled and painted objects including old concrete street signs and the like. I spent the morning loading up some pictures to my flickr account so you can take a tour. I hope you enjoy.

» Take the tour

Buddy the Sunflower Lumberjack

2010-09-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Buddy the Sunflower Lumberjack

Each morning, I like to sit out in my garden and drink my coffee. It's my quiet time, an attempt at slowing the progression of the day and just taking a few moments to enjoy beauty. I step out onto the deck, wrap a throw around my feet (it's starting to get a little chilly at night) and sit down with my coffee and magazines. My three cats accompany me, Weasel, Smellicus, and Mook. Also in attendance to my morning ritual is Buddy the squirrel. He comes each morning to check out what we are doing and to generally mystify and confound Smellicus who is intent on stalking Buddy everywhere he goes.

Throughout the season, he's partaken of a variety of produce from my garden, the plums in the top branches of my plum trees, apples, and of late his fascination has been my 12 foot sunflowers. He would tip toe out along the highest branches until he was just about to fall and quickly nab the drying heads. But, he had just about harvested all he could from the tree tops, so each morning he has been busy studying his options, trying various methods to obtain those heads now drooping that are ju....st out of his reach.

So this morning, as I sat down, I noticed something different in the garden. There was something missing, something out of place. Then I realized. My 12 foot sunflowers were laying on the ground. Buddy had "felled" my monster sunflower stalks, chewing their stalks like a beaver until they fell over. Now missing some of their heads, he had no doubt had a very productive morning! Although I will miss their nodding heads, I don't really mind. It makes me happy to know God's creatures find bounty and feel welcome to partake of it in my little back yard garden.

Paint only Love

2010-09-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

"Evening Light Among the Arroyos"

Sometimes, people will ask me "Where did you learn to paint like that?" And specifically, I don't know. That's just how I paint. It's the only way I know how. I didn't go to art school. I took Home Economics in high school. If our school had art classes, I didn't know about it.

But, I did grow up watching people make things. The women of my family are very "crafty" and the tradition of making things for family at Christmas was something I learned to participate in when I was just big enough to sit on my grandmother's lap at the sewing machine. So I guess the notion of making things, putting together color and fabrics and things like that is just something I've always done.

But there were a few folks who actually did teach me something about art and those folks were on Public Television. Whenever I flipped through the channels, if Bob Ross was painting something I would stop and watch. I really didn't like his paintings much, what I really did like though was Bob. Like some throwback from the 60s with his crazy "fro" and mellow manner, he always made me smile, "I think there's a happy little tree that lives here." he would say or "Today, I'm going to put some happy little clouds right behind that mountain." From Bob, you got the notion that painting was about joy and happiness and creativity and invention. You could put your happy little trees anywhere you wanted. Whatever you did, it was OK with Bob.

So I watched Bob a lot and he became my mentor. Now, whenever I feel stuck on a painting or discouraged, particularly if I'm working on a landscape, I'll imagine Bob Ross standing next to me saying "Go ahead, you can do anything you imagine." So tonight, I think if he were still with us in the world (he passed some years back) that he would like my new little painting and say "I like the happy little stars." Thanks Bob, for a lifetime of inspiration.

Anything is possible

2010-09-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

Was sorting through pictures tonight. They've been in a stack gathering dust for a while and slowly but surely over several evenings I've been putting them in categories, stuffing them in labeled envelopes and boxes and slowly beginning to feel like Martha Stewart might approve.

Organization is not my strong suit, so picture sorting of images from my pre-digital era is a chore I have been avoiding for about 11 years or so. In culling through, I ran across this picture of me as a child. Sitting in my ballerina costume, chowing down on two of the finer foods in life (Fanta Grape and a hotdog), I had just done "my thang" (can't actually remember what it was) in a talent show at Skyland Camp for Girls.

Still, this is one of my favorite childhood photos. It reminds me of a time when I believed just about anything was possible and there was never any conflict between the full expression of two ideas or dreams. At this time in my life for example, I could see no problem whatsoever with growing up to be a ballerina and an Indian princess or a baton twirler and a horticulturist. There were no rules then for determining which things could coexist together and those that could not. The possibilities were endless. Looking at this photo tonight, I wonder what possibilities I am "ruling out" with my grown up thinking and how it would probably be a good thing to give up at least some of that.

Daily Inspirations: Make some space

2010-09-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

I just loved this:
binduwiles.com: The Law of the Ugly Chair
by Danielle Laporte

Want to be more creative or find it easier to find your muse? Danielle Laporte writes a funny and inspirational article about the value of getting rid of things.

True for all aspects of creativity, when something is empty it seems the whole universe begins to work with you to fill the space with something meaninful, reborn and beautiful.

Why create art?

2010-09-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

Original Drawing by Clifton Griffin

Occasionally, you will be somewhere talking to someone and before they know you are an artist, and perhaps even after, someone will say:

"Well, my son or my daughter wants to be an artist, but I think they should study computers instead. You know, you can never make a living selling art."

This kind of thing has happened to me from time to time and I often then have the opportunity to educate people on how in fact you can make a living selling art. In fact, I've made a living for 20 years selling art. By day, I work in the marketing department for a large corporation creating web designs, podcasts, videos etc. I make art every day and get paid for it. Then I come home and draw and paint and sculpt and make more art, which I sell and that makes money too.

BUT, the reason to make art is not for the purpose of making money is it? If you've been creating art or just thinking about creating art even for a little while, you immediately discover that art and the making of it is about expressing love, joy, sadness, healing, hope, faith, etc. The process of making art takes you on your own personal journey into your soul and then when you are done with it and share it with others, your creation can start others on their own journey.

But there are so many more reasons for creating art even beyond the benefit to the artist. Art changes and shapes our world. Everywhere you look there is art in the form of color, paintings, fabric, sculpture, architecture, magazine covers, billboards, cars, skateboards, logos, the list goes on. Art is everywhere. Without art, our world would be a bland experience indeed.

Being an artist is about actively participating/being co-creators in this beautiful world we are so gifted to share and it's free. Anyone can create art. I don't believe God left anyone out. We all have something wonderful we can discover create and share.

I hope you won't forget to discover and share your art with others. My Great Uncle Clifton made the drawing above. For his entire life he drew these pictures of the young boys who lived with him as a child in an orphanage in Texas. He remembered their faces and their shared experience over the course of his lifetime, drawing over 100 drawings. They were found in a box after he passed away. Hardly anyone in the family knew he had an interest in drawing. When the images were passed on to me, I wept. What a gift he had! Although I was sad he was gone, I was so touched that he had left behind such a precious gift. His gift of art daily inspires me, touches me and helps me remember him. So making art can also be something we leave behind for our family, a gift so precious that is reaches across time.

To blog or not to blog

2010-09-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

My son Trevor, the day he left for college.

OK, so I've made the decision to streamline my web site and focus more on my blog. Now that I'm an empty nester, I find I have an abundance of time on my hands and all of my excuses for not blogging are no longer valid. There are fewer dishes to wash, less laundry to fold, I'm not scurrying around the house wiping up sticky messes. It's just me and the cats, and my husband David the adventurer. Of course, I still work a full time job and that leads me to my next excuse: "I barely have time to paint, because I give 40+ hours at the office." And, this is true. I do work full time and in general, I enjoy my work. I've worked hard for 15 years to have the creative freedom I have in my job and generally it feeds my art career in it's own way as well. And so it's a career I've been hesitant to give up. But, that being said, part of the real truth is one of not wanting things to get too out of control. At various times during my art career, things have blossomed overnight. The excitement of seeing my dreams coming true was palpable, but then came the burden of success. Somehow, at the time, I had to manage that success with my art career with my day job, my family, and the chores every mother knows, and somehow manage to stay inspired and keep my sanity. It was a daunting task. I struggled. I often panicked. Occasionally, I broke down and froze up. So when my son began his junior year and I ran into some health complications, I decided I needed to scale it back a bit. This year, I focused most of my time on spending quality time with my son, my husband and on getting my health in order. Now, everything is in order. Son is off to college on a full scholarship (Berea College, thank you!). I finally bit the bullet and had the surgeries I had been avoiding for two years. Now, I'm now good as new. So, what now? This week I've been looking a lot at other artist's blogs. It's clear there's much more power in communicating with a blog because of the distribution model and I'd really like to spend more time focusing on my art and writing instead of the meticulous nature of maintaining my traditional web site. So, here we go. I'm going to try to post at least twice a week. I'm hoping to share something that might be useful to other artists, to inspire some who might be thinking of creating; but haven't yet made the leap and I'm hoping to meet other inspiring artists to learn from along the way.

New Painting: Hermanas

2010-09-11T16:31:00.001-07:00

"Hermanas" (Sisters)
30 x 40 x 2 on gallery wrap canvas

Two lovely sisters enjoy a glass of wine in an adobe garden.

Organizations Featuring Jan's Art

2010-01-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

Faith-Based Organizations
The Mercy Blog
Evangelical United Church of Christ
Calvin Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY
Christ Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX
Trinity Cathedral, The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
The Marian Library
Oregon Catholic Press
The Little Sisters of the Poor
The Franciscan Sisters of Mary

Publications
Natural Awakenings
The St. Anthony Messenger

Music Featuring Jan's painting "The Healing Angel"

2010-01-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

OCP Records has released "Te Doy Gracias" featuring the beautiful voice of Anna Betancourt. The cover of the album features Jan's painting "The Healing Angel".

I hope you'll check it out. The album features 12 contemporary Spanish and bilingual liturgical songs. Anna's voice is moving and beautiful and I couldn't be more proud to have my art on her album cover.

Check out the album here to preview/listen/buy.

Art Licensing

2010-01-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Commercial Use: Applies to any for-profit usage of my art.
I am open to proposals for licensing my work. Please contact me to submit your proposal.

Personal Use/Non-profits
My works are available for use by churches and non-profits who are involved in work promoting peace, social justice and environmental protection. Generally, I offer 1 single-use license per year at no cost. Please contact me to submit your proposal.

Would you like Jan to speak at your event?

2010-01-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

I am available for limited speaking engagements. Generally, my presentations center around art, faith and creativity, but I can tailor presentations to your needs. For additional information, contact Jan.

Frequently Asked Questions

2010-01-03T10:39:00.001-08:00

I thought today I would answer some of the most frequently asked questions I receive:

How long have I been painting?
I started painting in the fall of 2003.

Are you formally trained?
No, I am a self taught artist. I have however been a graphic designer for 20+ years and this informs my work to some extent and my love of strong line.

Are you Catholic?
No, I was baptised Catholic in the hospital as a child but I attended the Lutheran church with my Grandmother as a small child. Later, I attended evangelical worship services as a young teen. There is much I love about both Catholic and Protestant views, although they can differ greatly. I no longer consider myself Protestant as I am not in "Protest" of the Catholic church. I am simply a Christian and wish to do what I can to share God's message of Peace, Love and Forgiveness for all people through Christ.

Do you have a studio?
Yes, my studio is in my home off the back of my kitchen. My studio is part of the center of my home and my paintings are created in the thick of our family life, with good food simmering on the stove, laundry tumbling in the dryer, family coming and going and with my cats (Weasel, Smellicus and Mooker) in observation of any interesting morsels that might fall to the floor.

Can I visit your studio?
Studio visits must be arranged by appointment.

What is your process?
I work from sketches in my artist sketchbook. I transfer my sketches to canvas using a traditional mural grid technique. My painting technique involves basecoating, building up light and dark values and enhancing those values with multiple glazes and then finishing off the work with flowing linework. All my pieces are varnished with water-based poly.

What is your medium?
I work in acrylic, pastels and mixed media although the majority of my works are acrylic. I do not work in oils. They are not good for artists or the environment. My varnish coats are responsible for enhancing the rich colors and subtle shine of my works. Some people feel this makes them look like oils.

Do you do commissions?
Generally, no. I do take suggestions and if I latch onto your idea and can "feel it". I may agree to paint something and if you like it, you may buy it. If not, I sell it to someone else. Persons interested in such paintings can expect to wait 6 months to 1 year for a finished piece as I have to "work" them into my painting schedule for shows and other already scheduled events.

Can you change this color or that color or add this or that or make the painting match the color of my couch?
No.

Were you born in the Southwest?
Yes. I was born in Texas. I am a 6th generation Texan living in the Southwest. My ancestors were among the founders of Houston and swore allegiance to Spain to obtain their land grants prior to Texas becoming a Republic. Historically, Texas is considered part of the Southwest.

Do you paint full-time?
No. I work full-time for a large health care company as a web designer and flash designer.

What kind of music do you listen to while painting?
It varies. At any given time, you could find me listening to Boticelli, Gregorian Chants, Spanish acoustical guitar, Appalachian folk music/bluegrass, hymns sung in Spanish or other languages, contemporary Christian pop, the soundtracks to various movies, Native American music or 70s rock and roll.

Where do I live?
I live in Southern Colorado.

Tell me about your painting style?
My works are a fusion of traditional folk art styles and Mexican muralism. My works have a strong Mexican influence along with the incorporation of certain elements from German folk art. Both are a part of my cultural history. I study the religious works of all cultures and find them all beautiful and inspiring. The works of the Mexican muralists have had a great influence on my works and painting methods.

Can you paint something on my house?
No, I'm sorry. I just don't have the time for on-location painting.

How long does it take to complete a painting?
Anywhere from 4 to 30+ hours. Depends on the size and complexity and whether or not I'm in the "zone".

What is the message of your works?
Uniting people of faith through art in our shared commitment to foster Peace, Love, and Social Justice in the world. I am also strongly committed to acting as a Good Shepherd of the environment and to all those creatures with which we share our world.

Where can I purchase your works?
You can purchase originals directly from me if listed on my site or from the galleries they are displayed in. If an original is in a gallery, it cannot be purchased from me. Prints and other items can be purchased online through my store.

Are your works available for licensing?
Yes, contact me with your proposal.

Can our church or non-profit use your art?
Yes, I make my works available to churches and non-profits who do good works in support of peace and social justice. I grant 1 single-use license to such organizations per year at no cost for use on such items as Church Bulletins, Newsletters, etc. Contact Jan for additional information. Any commercial use requires licensing.

Can I use one of your images on my blog, web site or post it to a social forum?
It is always courteous to request such use from the artist. Generally, I will allow single non-commercial use for personal web sites, when requested. Obviously, I reserve the right to limit who uses my art and for what purpose.

Painting "Renewal"

2009-03-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Trip to Taos

2009-03-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a trip to Taos. David and I are celebrating our 15th anniversary and needed to go down to Taos to pick up some art. Sadly, our good friend Stephen at the Starving Artist Gallery is closing the gallery, so I will be looking for new representation in Taos. On the trip, I was very excited to meet Miguel Martinez and his wife Rita in their new gallery. I have admired Miguel's work forever, he is truly a master. And, you couldn't find two folks who are more kind and generous with their time. I hope you will get a chance to check out their new gallery Martinez Fine Art.

Also, got to chat some with more of my favorite artists: Amy Cordova and Dan Enger at Enger-Cordova Fine Art. Amy is a fabulous artist and illustrator of many children's books. Her colorful paintings just light me up. Dan's playful skeletons are masterfully done and he is such a fun character to chat with. I hope you will check out their gallery Enger-Cordova. Finally, we met Gary Fey at the Good Thunder Batik gallery. He is just a hoot and does beautiful colorful batik work. He teaches classes, we didn't have time on this trip but definately plan to take a class with him soon.

Visiting Taos is always about Art and Food for us. New on my list is Ricky's a little home-style place that serves great chorizo and eggs...the best way to start a morning at 7000 feet.