Born in 1942 and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jean came from an artistic and musically talented family. Even as a child, she loved to draw and still remembers winning first place in Elementary school for a large watercolor of a young Japanese woman.

In her late twenties she began painting in earnest, entering several of the art shows that were going strong at that time. While the Texas wildlife was popular, she painted African wildlife instead. “I figured there were already several good artists painting the Texas wildlife!”

Later her artistic endeavors were spread over the years learning to weave, making stained glass pieces, playing with clay, basket weaving, and beadwork which included jewelry and small beaded objects. Interwoven were a few oil painting classes. Then she began painting southwest still lifes – pottery, baskets, rugs. Her favorite painting was of several of the baskets she had made, including an “Indian” rattle.

Now, she is retired from full-time work and enjoying the time to pursue her art. “Art is something I’ll always do in one form or another. It’s time for me to explore the many different aspects and styles of oil painting. For me, it’s trying new things and learning something different.”