I’m a visual artist. I’m a painter, a photographer, and I’m so fortunate for this versatility.

Winter in Iowa is cold. It’s bitter negative degree kind of cold. It’s when I typically hibernate into my painting world and work to build new pieces up for the summer gallery and fine art festival scene. When spring and summer roll around, I usually switch gears and spend lots of time behind my camera taking portraits of seniors, families, and weddings. This has always been a fun fulfilling balance for me. I love the solitude of working on my paintings, getting lost in my studio and work. I also love the social aspects of my photography and strive to create the perfect images that represent and bring joy to my photo clients. I truly love both of my art forms and am so grateful for the versatility they provide me in any given year… but this year especially.

Being anxious and a slight germaphobe, the first couple weeks of this pandemic were brutal. However, diving into my art, focusing on my faith and gratitude, and staying connected online have really saved my sanity during these long days of uncertainty. I know that even though I might not have people in front of my camera for awhile, I’ve got my studio, my family, and our health. I know that life can be messy and beautiful at the same time. I know that we can be scared and joyful simultaneously. I know that we can only control our own actions and even that is sometimes difficult. I know that there are silver linings to everything and that if you seek hope and joy you’ll find it…. and this, my friends, is so much what my artwork is about.

So while I hope to see you all again soon in person, behind my camera, across the dinner table, around the campfire…. I am so grateful we have the ability to stay connected right here online. So grateful.

I hope you’ll follow me over on instagram and facebook @jillianwebbart
and check back soon for my upcoming release of new works on paper… I’ve fallen in love with them and hope you do, too!

xo
Jillian

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