The beauty of nature is evident on the wildlife, landscape, and paintings of the American West by artist, Janie Crean. Viewing her art will take you to a different time or place and encourages you to linger awhile.

Janie Crean earned her Bachelors of Fine Art from San Diego State University and taught elementary school for almost 30 years.

“My journey into Fine Art began after I retired, but the seed to paint was planted long ago by my Father, a Renaissance man, who was a self-taught artist, musician, and the man who fixed all the neighborhood kids’  bikes”

Janie began studying painting and drawing in the Tulsa art community and became active in both Alpha Rho Tau and the Tulsa Artist Guild, participating in various exhibits and fundraisers.

Although she paints in Acrylics, she begins each painting by using the techniques of the Old Masters (who painted in oils). Starting with a dark undercoat, Janie adds a series of washes to achieve the intensity of desired colors in her work. Janie’s compositions emphasize the importance of both positive and negative space. She combines soft brushwork, edges, and texture to create a mood; paying attention to the dancing patterns of light and shadows.

Janie says, “Only an artist would be excited by feathers and fur! It’s a challenge to paint, but worth the effort, as you see your wildlife take shape with each stroke. The ultimate goal is to capture of poetry of animals in my paintings.”

Janie Crean’s style of Fine Art has evolved into a looser and more impressionistic style. Her objective is to create a painting that comes together by knowing what to include, and what to leave to the viewer’s imagination. She transforms everyday images into unique impressionistic wildlife, nature, and Western paintings. Janie adds the unexpected dose of humor with her clever use of double enterable that makes the viewer smile.

Janie has had her work exhibited in juried shows at Philbrook and several venues in the Tulsa Area. She has been awarded numerous Blue Ribbons and a Best of Show.  Janie strives to honor the beauty of nature in all her work.

“I paint things that make me happy: glowing landscapes, the spirit of the West, and the wonders of wildlife.”