Life is hideous and beautiful, simultaneously.

The harsh reality is that excruciating events exist in every corner of the world, on a variety of levels, every single day… and yet, life is still beautiful.

Growing up as an imperfect perfectionist hasn’t been easy, but it has helped me be empathetic when approaching the world. We are all shaped by the paradigms present during our formidable years.  I’ve always wanted the best for others. I’ve wanted people to feel included, for everyone to be healthy and happy. Some call it “middle child syndrome” or “people pleasing.”  For me, it’s always been a genuine desire for everyone to be well, for wanting the world to be a better place, for wanting to make a difference, for wanting everyone to know they’re loved… and to know that there is beauty within the rubble.

Through an abstract expressionistic approach, I embrace the imperfections and chaos that are felt along with the hopes and joys in everyday life. Over the years, my paintings have grown lighter in palette and metaphorically celebrate the beauty that shines through the struggle. 

Born and raised in North Carolina, USA, I earned my B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I became fascinated by the study of color, abstraction, and conceptual art.  The works of Hans Hofmann, Edvard Munch, Mark Rothko, among others, have all greatly influenced me.  From abstract landscapes to completely abstract mixed media paintings, my work is all inspired by the greats and the wealth of modern day abstract painters, too. 

It’s taken me fifteen years to truly understand why my heart resonates with abstraction and to let go of the need to please everyone.  I find joy and feel at home within abstract expressionism. Period.

My art embraces the process, the imperfections, and creates harmony and beauty from the chaos. Using bold marks, painting to music, working through emotions with brush and palette knives, focusing on the process, I paint intuitively. I’m constantly making choices while I create, reacting to the colors and marks in front of me. Most often, I work in acrylic with underlying layers in charcoal and graphite. The charcoal and graphite frequently peek through the layers and in recent work I’ve become interested in adding other drawing media to the outermost layers, too. When a piece comes together, the marks, texture, and colors act as key elements used to develop mood and movement creating balance and harmony out of the chaos.

I paint for myself, and for the people who need to find rest in the chaos, for those who need to see beauty and hope shining through the struggle. The world can be exhilarating, exhausting, excruciating, and joyful all at the same time, and I need my art to reflect this.

As I grow and work to expand my art career nationally and internationally, I recognize the importance of making art accessible right here in my local community, too.  For the past six years I have been dedicated to making and exhibiting artwork in rural northeast Iowa. While working to develop a strong art scene for our community, I’ve been able to continue my passion for providing a genuine original art experience that is accessible, educational, and offers original artwork to our rural populations.

- Jillian Webb Herrmann

All of my paintings are original, the only prints currently produced are greeting cards. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, here from my site, please send me a quick email with any additional questions and to be certain the piece is still available. Thank you!  

2024

Fine Art Events + Representation:

• The Collective Elkader

• First Fridays | The Collective | Elkader, Iowa

• The Left Bank Shop and Gallery | McGregor, Iowa

• The Guttenberg Gallery | Guttenberg, Iowa

• Art in the Park Elkader | Founding Board Member

• BL Makers Market | Thomasville, NC

• Strom Art, LLC | Greensboro, NC

• Artomat | Worldwide

Commissions:

Have a specific color theme, want something that is custom designed and created for your home or office? I'm happy to help! Let's collaborate!

STUDIO HOURS

By Appointment
Contact me anytime with questions and inquiries, and I'll be happy to reply and schedule a consultation/viewing.

J.Webb Art is timeless...

"I have family photographs and an original painting from J.Webb Fine Art in my home and I treasure them both. Jillian’s artistry is exceptional and her work is truly timeless."

- Bridget Camp