Happy New Years!

Squeezing in a few minutes before heading to a New Years party. It's hard breaking away from my most unusual commission yet--a female mountain goat for my Capricorn collector. Happy New Years everyone!  Thanks for being such fabulous friends and art fans! Excited to see what 2017 will bring! 🎉🎉🎉

Birthday Commission for Daddy!

These adorable twins surprised their Dad with a special painting for his birthday!  They had me paint them on their mountain bikes (favorite colors are purple, the other blue) on a ride with their Dad, a family tradition they do every Christmas morning. #JensArt 

Art Backdrop for Woodsy-Themed Wedding!

My niece needed a huge backdrop for her "woodsy" themed wedding...and because she has sort of an artsy aunt, (and her mother is my twin sister) I was chosen to head it up. The wedding was to take place in a matter of hours, so time was of the essence!  An art project I remember doing in high school came to mind. With a team of helpers, we tore up hundreds of patterned papers and then glued the pieces together, mosaic style, according to color and shade. A forest was born!  A+ for the team! 😅

Collector in Denver!

One of the highlights from the trip was stopping in Denver to see collector, Susan G. It was a thrill to finally meet her in person and to see the spot where she hung the diptych, "Autumn on Bells." Susan had the walls painted a beautiful shade of grey to really make the paintings pop!  A new commission is in the works for the third niche. ❤️ #JensArt 

Inspiration at the MOMA

Couldn't leave NYC without stopping at the #MOMA. It was thrilling gazing at all the masterpieces that inspired me to paint!  #vangogh #monét 

New York, New York

What a whirlwind week! I had a lot of fun hanging out with my favorite artists in the booth for Lawley Art Group! Pete Tillack (on the right) is an Aussie born surfer and artist friend from San Diego and Tanner Lawley is the "bigger than life" Texan and painter of hearts who also shows my work in his Dallas gallery. Thanks Tanner for getting us all together in NYC! 

Painting created at show in NYC finds home!

I didn't plan on painting Live at the show, but after arriving at the venue, I noticed there was an art store right across the street. I knew it would be expensive to buy everything I'd need to create an original painting away from my studio...but how cool if people could watch me actually start and finish one during the show!  Gabby R. came back two days in a row to watch, and when it was finished, she bought it! 💜

Palette Mosaics hit NYC

Another crazy-fun day at the art show! My Palette Mosaics were a hit today. I create those out of the recycled paint scraped off my palette. I'll post a FB Live tomorrow around 9 am PT/12 ET. Now off to ice my feet. No more heels for me!  I'll be sporting converse tomorrow.   #JensArt #ArtHappy #PaletteMosaics 

Busy day painting live at the art show in New York!

Busy day at the show!  Met some amazing new art collectors. Matt and his cousins were most excited about Bryant Gumbel. 😃 #JensArt

Affordable Art Fair: New York

Tonight was the VIP opening night at the Affordable Art Fair in NYC. It was a packed house!  I'll be here through the weekend, come check it out! #JensArt

Autumn in Colorado!

Which #Colorado pic is your favorite?  I just can't decide which one I want to paint first when I get back to the studio! 🍂#JensArt

Colorado in Fall!

I took over 2,000 photos of my favorite trees today! It seemed everywhere I looked I found a future painting! #jensart 

Art in Aspen!

I'll be at Royal Street Fine Art today and tomorrow. Their "doorstop" is the secret to their success, they tell me. ❤️❤️❤️ #JensArt

Lunds Fine Art, Park City

This gallery rocks! Thanks for pulling out the red carpet for me and putting on a fabulous show. Lunds Fine Art is, hands down, the best gallery in Park City! 

Painting Live at Lund Fine Art

In the News!

Thank you Lund Fine Art for the great write-up in the paper by Scott Iwasaki. Here's a link to the full article:

http://www.parkrecord.com/entertainment/jennifer-vranes-loves-landscape-textures/

Art Show: Park City

I'll be in Park City today from 3-9 pm. Come see me! 

Art Show in Park City

I'll be at Lund Fine Art today from 3-9 pm. Come see me! 

Art Shows: Come See Me!

Just wanted to let you know about a few art shows I have coming up. If you're anywhere near Park City UT, Aspen CO or New York, NY...come see me!  I'll be doing my "big aspen" demo. 😉

Painting Two at Once!

Why start only one painting when you can do two? 💜💜 #JensArt

Painting frenzy!

It's been a very busy week. 😅#JensArt

Art for Birthday Surprise!

My good friend just turned 40, so her sister and I wanted to surprise her with a special piece of art to commemorate the big day. The way she describes what happened upon receiving the surprise package is just too priceless not to share. So here's the full story, in her words:

"Ok, first off, when the FedEx man knocked on my door I looked at that huge box labeled with FRAGILE stickers, rolled my eyes and said, "Oh no. What did he buy?" I thought Jeff had bought some bizaare and obnoxious thing while I was gone last week, when I wasn't here to talk him out of it.

Then when I saw the sender label, I started to slowly put the puzzle pieces together. Thank Matt for being such a good packaging man--that sucker was sealed down tight! It took so long to unwrap, which only added to the excitement...

And then...

And then!!!

I was so grateful that Malia thought to run and grab my phone to take a few pictures of the moment.

Oh! My! Gosh!

I had no words. Only tears.

It is so, so special to me. My heart is filled with overflowing love!

It really is just perfect. You have no idea how perfect. I'll prove how perfect it is! I'm sending you a screenshot of my 40 before 40 list!

#5:check. It was one of those magical days up in the aspen forests of Utah last fall.

But #27: well, I figured that I'd just let that one go, sliding it into the maybe before I turn 50 category. After all, the decade of the 40s is all about accepting things as they are, but feeling contented in it being good enough. We have lived long enough to appreciate that when you get most of the things you set out to do done, then that'll do.

And now, because of the most beautiful gift I have ever been given, I can look at that painting and be reminded of sisters I love, friends I love, and feel the hope of dreams and goals ahead. Springs Twilight passes in my life and yet, all the light and love of the four decades that have gotten me to this place will shine on through the next four decades (hopefully!).

I am so grateful and I love you both so much!"

6' x 10' Birch Tree commission!

Just a tiny little thing I just finished up! #JensArt

Drab to Fab!

A dear collector commissioned this 48x72 vineyard painting for her dining room. The room went from drab to fab after they updated the wall color, accentuating their new piece of Art! #JensArt #JensArtCommission

Art Commission for Bedroom

I love this room! It couldn't be more perfect for a vibrant piece of art. When this collector was looking through my portfolio, she stopped on this painting, and said "This is the one!" #JensArt #JensArtCommission

Aspen Art Spring Giclée!

"Wading through Heaven" has been a hot Giclée this Summer! 💜 #JensArt

Hidden Animals!

Two new vertical Springs! I had fun "hiding" little animals in these paintings, such as birds, deer, bunnies, and even a shy raccoon. #JensArt

Aspen Art for Bedroom

This collector was looking for artwork with golds and purples to bring some color to her master bedroom. And, when she heard that she could have "Spring Dawn" in any size she needed, she ordered a 27" x 72" on the spot! #JensArt #Giclée

New Aspen Painting: "Breaking Dawn"

Couldn't leave for my family reunion in Lake Tahoe before I finished this 60x48 painting! All done. Voila! I'm pretty crazy about that sky! 🌅 #JensArt

The passing of a great Artist, Mentor and Friend, Jack White

I just received the news that my art mentor and dear friend, Jack White, passed away yesterday. Even though his health had been failing for the past couple of years, this still comes as a shock. Jack was the most vibrant and generous person I have ever known. He helped countless artists (like me) launch art careers in a world where people believe one must "starve" as an artist, or that making a living at creating art is impossible. He personally answered all of my questions and emails, and his sage advice on art marketing and sales was the best in the business. He held nothing back--giving up all of his secrets (ones that most artists hold close, never sharing) in his books that he sold on his website:
http://www.jackwhiteartist.com
Jack White was an inspiration to me and I will miss him, his belly laugh and his Texan drawl.

Below is what his wife Mikki wrote about Jack and his passing:

Dear Jen and Matt,

Yesterday Heaven welcomed a master artist and amazing writer; Jack has gone home to Our Lord. At 83, Jack's mind was sharper than ever but his body gave in to the ravages of time. Since a stroke 2 years ago he has been on blood thinners. The past few days they've whirled out of control, my best friend and mentor began bleeding. In the hospital he was given several transfusions and seemed to recover a bit. While under anesthesia, during a colonoscopy to discover the source of the bleeding, Jack vomited and aspirated the fluid into his lungs. His body gave out, Jack went into respiratory arrest and was put on life support. We decided long ago that if either of us had to be kept "Alive" with artificial means it was time to let go and let God take over. Yesterday we did just that; Jack's last moments were peaceful and quiet. He is no longer plagued by a body that is suffering, no longer distressed by overwhelming feelings of helplessness caused by having to depend on me to do everything for him.

I can imagine all of the artists in Heaven have flocked around Jack to learn from his vast experiences, get pointers on their work and discover the joys of using his Double Primary Color Mixing System. Plus my guy is getting to meet all of his favorite Old Master Painters. He is writing freely and happily, unencumbered by stiff and uncooperative fingers. Jack has helped so many of us here on earth. I know I would never have become the person I am today without him in my life. God has truly blessed me to have Jack as a partner for 26 years. We will all miss this talented man, his storytelling and infectious laugh. But as incredibly hard as it is to give Jack up I know he's in a better place and whole again.

And you know Jack, he didn't want a funeral. So I plan to have a Celebration of Jack's life, most likely on his birthday, March 6. I will keep you updated. Thanks to all of you for being there for us over these many years.

With love and hugs, Mikki and Jack

http://www.jackwhiteartist.com
http://www.senkarik.com

Surprise Studio Visit!

My friend and art collector, Tricia Frederick, popped in to see me in the studio today! She and her sister are on a road trip from Arizona and happened to be passing through my tiny town. Such a surprise to see her and show her around the very messy art studio. #JensArt

Palette-Knife Demo of Aspen/ Birch Painting!

Last night's palette-knife demonstration for SOSA was a lot of fun. Not many have ever seen the start of a painting before. Truly, the beginning stage is the most fun to watch! Paint is scooped up and slopped on a big white canvas in huge, haphazard dollops. I heard a collective gasp the first time they all saw me load up a palette knife! Haha. I do love playing with watercolor artists in particular. I give them such a scare when they see the sheer quantity of paint used in just one painting! 🎨 #JensArt

Painting Demo for Southern Oregon Society of Artists (SOSA)

For tonight's palette knife demonstration I thought it would be fun to demonstrate the beginning stages of this painting. That really is the most fun stage to watch! All the slathering on juicy texture with huge palette knives! #JensArt

Palette-Knife Painting Demo!

On Monday, June 27th at 7 pm, I'll be demonstrating my palette-knife technique to the Southern Oregon Society of Artists at the Medford Library (205 S. Central). All are welcome. #JensArt #paletteknifepainting #aspenart

"Bluebonnets by the Lake"

Finished this new Spring painting for a Gallery in Texas who's collectors love Bluebonnets as much as I do! 💙 #JensArt #lawleyartgroup

Summer Season Begins!

Busy week! Shipped off these 48x60 paintings to Galleries. These represent 6 of my most popular series: "Monochromatic", "Spring", "Crimson", "Confetti", "Sunlit Yellow" and "Pewter Aspens" Series. The Summer season begins now! 😅 #JensArt

Lavender Art for Powder Bath

A collector ordered this piece for her powder room. She needed something with purple and mint green and thought my "Summer in Provence" Giclée would be perfect! She sent me her actual valance fabric so that I could custom match the purples and greens when I enhanced the Giclée. Glad she sent me that! I ended up having to warm up the purple by a lot, taking out all the blue shades. This Giclée became more of an original painting when I was finished with it. She loved it! 💜💜💜#JensArtGiclees

Happy Memorial Day!

Diana Wilks is not only one of my beloved art collectors, but she's also a U.S. Army veteran where she served our country for 23 years. In her own words: "I was a Parachute Rigger, which means I jumped out of Airplains, helicopter's, etc. My job was to rig personnel, medical supply, ammunition, any type of vehicles from Hummers to tanks, artillery, pretty much anything, to be dropped from an aircraft while in flight to wherever in the world a unit needed it, on time, on target. A unit's mission depended on me as a rigger to ensure they had all necessary equipment to complete their mission whether training or combat related. A huge responsibility but a good one."
Thank you Diana and millions of other Americans (including my Dad!) who have dedicated and sacrificed their lives to serving our country! Happy Memorial Day 2016! 🇺🇸

Art Night

Fun painting with these 16 and 17 year old girls in my art studio. They did amazingly well, knocking out a 6"x6" painting in under 2 hours. 🎨 #JensArt #AspenArt

Tuscan Vineyard Commission

Just added the finishing touches to this 48x72 Tuscan vineyard commission. Now I just need a title! Any ideas? Something Italian...🇮🇹
#JensArt #artcommission

Room Complete!

Future Artists

"What do I want to be when I grow up?" was the theme today at Jewett Elementary. I got to teach Art to a group of future artists! 🎨 #JensArt

Scottsdale Show Tear Down!

It couldn't possibly take us forever to pack up my studio because I'm still painting?!! Someone tell that artist the show is over! 🙀

Desert Painting made from Palette Skins installed in Scottsdale Home!

Palette Mosaic, "Desert Sunset" was installed today in a Scottsdale home! #JensArt #PaletteMosaic #PostPalette

Art Show wraps up!

Just finished the last painting I'll be doing here at Celebration of Fine Art. I can't believe it's been 10 weeks already! What a fantastic show. Always fun meeting so many wonderful new collectors and such a treat reconnecting with the old. Tomorrow is the last day! 💕 #JensArt

Painting for Entry Niche!

Collectors Lee and Barbara found a new piece for their entry! 72x24 "Autumn on Bells." #JensArt

Post-Palette Mosaics!

I'm having too much fun with my Palette Mosaic Series! It starts off with me peeling off the dried skins of acrylic paint left over on my palette from the day before. The colors I get are so incredibly cool! I then make a whole series of Art that I call Post-Palette or Palette Mosaic out of these left over scrapings. No waste! And the ultra-thick, 3-D texture is so unique. Just sold "Vineyard Vines" to one of my dear collectors created in this new post-palette style. #JensArt #PostPalette #PaletteMosaic #cfa2016 #Scottsdale