Quiet Reverie by Jen Beaudet Zondervan

 

available here

It's raining today but should clear up this afternoon in time for a walk. It's a good day for reading in a quiet place though. We don't get a lot of rain here in Southern California and I'm happy for that. I grew up down here and when I moved to Northern California the dreary days were hard to handle. It took me years to adjust. In the end, I did. It gives you a reason to stay in and snuggle up and read a book or watch an old movie drinking tea or hot chocolate. Enjoy your day! 

Angels and more

 I'm not religious but love angels. I believe in their power for healing and protecting. This was a commission I just finished. It's a 16x16 inch wood panel. The original one I did was 12x12 and is a gift for my mom's 83rd birthday coming up. I've done a few angels over the years and I'm sure I'll do more when the inspiration hits. 

This is another commission I just completed and am getting ready to ship it! It's a 20x20 inch canvas done with a palette knife. It was a larger version of a painting I did in 2014(?) or around there. It was from one of my 30 paintings in 30 days. The scene was around Trinity County and the original had more grayish purple mountains but my client wanted more of a blue ridge greenish mountain. She also wanted the red I had on the original one toned down a lot. I actually really love this! 

Doing commissions not only help me financially they also help to have another set of eyes and creativity. I think I said once that I would rather paint freely but I have changed my mind. Commissions give me the push I need right now. I've been struggling lately. For some reason, my art is not flowing out of me like it has in the past. Many things have changed and there's a lot going on which may be affecting it, but for now I'm so grateful for those who have contacted me for a painting. Here's the link to my etsy shop with more information about that! 

I hope you're enjoying this gorgeous time of year! 

Jen

Fresh Art For Changing Times

 Seasons change and bring fresh views and new perspectives on life. The change breaks up the monotony of the day in and day out routine. But while seasons play a role in that, one only needs to see things differently...or...more like, "See" the world that surrounds us. 

We can watch the clouds changing shapes, the leaves turning into bright rusts and golds, the birds flying on their journey south, the light changes, shadows change; change is everywhere and is a good thing.

Even living in Souther California, we can feel the seasons change. It's subtle, so you need to take the time to see it, before it's onto the next one. Time goes by so fast. Take the time to see what's happening around you before it's too late.

available here

Available here

currently on my easel 

I am working on the ballerinas again, adding more layers and playing with the colors. I read someone used India ink over oils, so I might try that next. There's always something new to explore. I really love how the tutus look so I'm not going to change that. Just maybe a little something on their faces but I want to keep them distorted and vague. This isn't about beauty and perfection so much...more about misfits and imperfections. This should be beauty. 

I just finished a large piece for my own home. It's inspired by my trip to Monet's Garden and I'm sure I will be doing more. I just wanted to paint something fun and colorful for my home. Something that makes you smile, but it also interesting to look at. (because it's hanging in my living room I may see something I want to change...but for now, I love it) 

Available here

Sold 2015

Talk to you soon, hopefully before the seasons change! 

New Florals Blooming in my shop...

 

Available here

Here's a new one just list in my Etsy shop. I took the reference photo a few years back at an Armstrong's Garden, nearby. I remember it was a hot day, but in the shade, the light was filtering through the wood trellis and was so beautiful. I got my phone out and captured the light. I don't think I could have painted it like this back then. I've been reading a lot of art books and have done several workshops in the last few years. I feel I have had an aha moment, mostly about color. I'm also thinking about edges, composition, so much. I thought I already knew enough, but the more I learn the more I realize I need to keep practicing. 

This is what keeps me going, keeps me inspired, and most importantly, keeps me happy.

The one below was painted from the same palette but from some flowers I bought. I painted it over a week and now the flowers have wilted. I always seem to place the large flower in the middle. Next time I will spend more time on the composition instead of just jumping in! I do that because my painting time is limited because of my other job. Someday I will have more time again, but for now it's done in increments. 

Available Here...

Thank you for looking! 

Click for My website

Jacaranda Bloom by Jennifer Beaudet Zondervan 2025

Thinking of Changing Back to This Site

 I've had my website for quite a few years now but I just can't see the reason to keep it. JbeaudetStudios.com is the domain name. I think I can transfer it to this one. I'm not sure how to go about all of that techie stuff. 

This blog is free, other than my domain name JenniferBeaudetartist. I might change that too. I'm not sure what I'm going to do but I was thinking I could just go back to the way I started. I posted on here and linked it to my etsy. Etsy has change so much since I started in 2009. It's hard to be seen on there and hard to compete with other countries. But, I do get seen and do sell on there. I really can't say that my website has helped me besides, looking nice. 

Here's a new one I did from a photo from Elizabeth Mitchell, from a Facebook photo sharing group. It's in France and I added the chickens. I've been wanting to do clothesline paintings for sometime now. 

I did this one on canvas paper using oil paints. I didn't do a great job measuring it beforehand but I think it's about 6x8? 

We're going back to Europe soon and I hope to find many more things to paint! 

I've sold a few paintings and some prints recently. Today this one sold! 

sold

If you get a chance pop over to my Etsy to see if there's anything that catches your eye! I'm trying to clear up some space around here! 

Until later! Happy Spring!

Jen

Busy March Passing by Like A Lion!

 

16x20 inch oil on canvas

It's been a few months since I've posted anything but I've been busy painting and working. Where does the time go? Well, I've also been planning for our trip to Italy! I'm so excited about it and I've been shopping for the perfect shoes...I haven't found them so I will be wearing my tennis shoes everywhere. I know it won't look good but my feet will be happy. 

This piece is still drying by I just want to share my updated version. Below is what it started as.

It looked nice before but I wanted to give it more oomf. I thought it felt a little flat. I also warmed it up with my favorite color right now (Indian yellow). I love it! 

That's all for now. Have a beautiful day! 

PS I'm having a SALE for SPRING in my etsy shop! 

Old Hollywood Glamour to Classical Ballet...Inspiration is Everywhere!

 

"Love You" available here

I am inspired by romance and old Hollywood black and white photos are full of that. This is inspired by Jean Harlow. There's a little message in there for you! 

"Sugarplum Fairies at Rest" available here

This is a 24x24 inch acrylic on canvas. We attended the Nutcracker Ballet at the Segerstrom, in Costa Mesa. It was so nice to dress up and get a little culture. I took this photo with my phone and thought I was being very discreet until someone tapped me on the shoulder. She said please don't. When the lights came on I tried to explain the I'm an artist and I really want to paint this. She didn't care. I saw other people doing the same (no flash, of course) Anyway, it was funny...but I really couldn't help it! I was compelled to snap these photos to paint the beauty I was feeling. I thought about how other artists would go about painting the ballet. It's not possible to set up my easel and paint in the dark. 

I think I will be doing at least one more of these. There's something so much fun about painting figures. 

click to go to my website
Jbeaudetstudios.com

Whispers of Serenity-A Painting Journey

Sold

 

This is a new floral from my latest series. It sold but I still haven't posted all of the others.

I have frames for two of them and one has painted sides. I wanted to share them as a collection and I'm still working on that. I'm thinking about creating a new website with my old name. It was JenBeaudetArt.com . I have the domain name back in my possession but haven't parked it yet. I'm wondering if I should just make a new one with my whole new name. It's a bit long though...Jen Beaudet Zondervan.com Maybe... JBeaudetZ or JBeaudetZArt. 

Old one from 2013 (Sold)

I posted my painting "Upcountry in Bloom" because I was just reminded of it when I saw someone use it as their profile photo on Facebook. She credited me Jen Beaudet which was my name when I painted it. Now, I'm Jen Beaudet Z. Names are important. Branding is important. 

This painting was an amazing time in my art journey. I have been to Maui several times and took photos of this area with the jacaranda but I was never there when they were in full bloom. It's my favorite area. I love the green rolling hills. So, when I saw this photo from https://fineartamerica.com/featured/jacaranda-explosion-of-color-as-a-jacaranda-tree-bloms-nature-photographer.html Nature Photographer on Fineartamerica, I asked his permission to paint it. (He doesn't share his name on there, so I won't) We got to know each other and met in person. I handed him the painting and it made a journey to Maui! I sold it online to someone in Alaska and he shipped it there for me! I will never forget that great memory. I still hope to get over there again and say hi. Maybe, the trees will be blooming! 

I'm trying to only paint from my own photos or from life now which limits me to only scenes that I capture. I'm tempted to paint another one of these from my own photos.

This was how I did the other one. I used google maps and found the spot, then used the colors from his photo. 

Below, is my photo that I took while in Maui. It's actually not that bad for an old camera, while driving. 

The painting I made from it is one of my favorites. I remember, it was one of those magical moments when it seemed to just appear effortlessly onto the canvas. 

Kula (sold)

 

This is a new one from my visit to Martha's Vineyard! I think you can see my style. It really hasn't changed.

Available here on Etsy

New Dana Point Harbor Art

 

Available here on Etsy

close up of the painting above

Here's my latest painting using the new technique that makes acrylic paints look like oils. I'm really enjoying the process and exploring new ideas. I have so many photos to paint from around here. Something about this technique has renewed my love for landscapes! I can't wait to do some more florals too! 

 I am still framing them. I ended up with 5 for the new series but I know it will grow to be larger. I don't think many people are seeing this, but thank you if you are seeing it! It's funny how things change over the years...But I'm still here making art! 

From France to Dana Point, California

 

available here

available here 

Here's two paintings I just completed. For some reason I'm not able to load one more right now. Anyway, I'm loving these little works. Just fun and fresh. Free to explore. This is just want I needed. I hope you enjoy them too! 

Jen

Field of Sunflowers and Peonies

 

available on etsy

Available Here

Working on more landscapes this week and also framing my new flower series! I have to paintings to go though before it's ready to reveal.

I'm doing a workshop to learn how to make acrylics look like oils

 

Field of Peonies in Provence 
Available on Etsy

This new 6x6 painting was inspired by my trip to France last May. My husband and I went to Provence and The French Riviera! It was amazing and I'm still pinching myself. I can't believe the things I've seen in the last two years! I'm living in a fairytale. 

Right now, I'm doing a workshop by Melanie Morris to learn more about acrylics. I've been an oil painter since 2007 and although I always have acrylics around and do use them on occasion, I never seem to get the same feel as oils. I think I have it now! I've looked back to some of my old landscapes that I used oil on, and I think this has a similar feeling. I have some health issues and I think it's time for a change. Also, space is limited here and I don't have room for oils to dry before starting another. This is a small piece and I will have to test it out on larger one, but I'm excited! 

(this painting was from 2012 but you can see it has a similar feel to the new one)

I'm also still working on my floral series (also in acrylics). I set out to complete 10 but might cut that down to 5 for my limited space. I've taken over the house...I just asked my hubby if we can add a leaf to the table. The florals are all medium sized canvas and I've purchased some frames for them so storing them is a challenge. I will get them listed when I have them framed. 

Speaking of listing, I have been going back and forth from Etsy and my website. I know it's not consistent  and may be confusing. It's just the problem of getting it seen. It's been a challenge lately. Hopefully, I can figure it out and just have one platform, but until then, just know that I offer my originals for sale on my etsy and my website jbeaudetstudios Thank you for sticking around through all these years! 

Busy on a new series of florals

 I've started a new floral series focusing on "unfocused", if that makes sense. I have 3 done and plan on completing 10. I felt that my work was feeling stale and wanted to bring freshness to it so I thought doing a series would help that. I'm definitely energized and I hope that shows through! I've realized what I enjoy the most in a painting is the unknown. The less detail the more I like it. That's what the palette knife achieved for me but for some reason it's starting to feel stiff or stale for me. Maybe it's because I've been at this since 2009 and things changed. I changed. So much has happened in that time, in my life, in our world. It's not surprising that my art would change. I need to feel intrigued and invigorated. 

These new pieces are starting to help me feel newly inspired. Two years ago, my world was opened up when I visited Europe for the first time. We went again, this year. We actually talk about moving there. Who would ever think someone coming from where I was would be experiencing life like this! Not me. It has reshaped my thinking in so many ways that of course my art would be influenced by this. I am, like many, constantly seeing art from old masters to new ones, inspired and intrigued. 

I have enjoyed seeing Melanie Morris' art over the years and finally jumped in on her yearly Fearless Landscape course! It hasn't started yet but I'm eager to start. I think I mostly need some direction and to focus. I feel this course will help me with that and I've started to use more acrylics instead of oils (will see how ling that lasts). Lately, I've also been enjoying Anne Blair Brown's work and was able to see some in person in Charleston, SC. I love her fresh approach to painting a landscape. I am also following Ingrid Christensen and have taken one small course about edges (I wish I could have saved it! It was a few years ago and my memory is lacking sometimes) I love her figures. I have also taken a small course with Christine Lafuente. It was about her method of drawing and again I wish I could save it and watch it again. I have been a fan of her work for years now. I think it was 2013, or around that time, when I discovered her juicy, fresh work. I still haven't figured out how she does it though. Maybe I will be able to take on of her workshops soon! 

Anyway, I haven't written anything for a while and thought it was time to update you all (or I should say "ya'll" after our trip to the South! Oh my gosh! The food was amazing! 

below are just some paintings I did over the years that possess the fresh quality I'm trying to achieve. When it just happens it's great but trying to do it again is where the challenge begins. (most of these were from 2014-15)

These two are more recent