ART BIOGRAPHY
JANE MCDOWELL
Jane McDowell has been a lifetime resident of Missouri, of which the greatest portion has been in St. Louis. She has loved art and science throughout her life. As a biology and chemistry teacher, she incorporated drawing as a learning tool for her students. She continued to explore art by taking classes at St. Louis Artist's Guild, Craft Alliance, Washington University summer session, and Meramec Community College. Upon retirement, her artistic talents have been utilized in her church and community. This includes painting posters, stage sets, and wall murals for classrooms. She designed and supervised the painting of wall murals for Mason School in St. Louis.
Jane's artistic and creative spirit began to thrive under the gentle guidance of her teacher/mentor/friend, Kathleen Barnes. Inspired by Kathleen's example and encouragement, Jane began exploring her art talent in earnest. Her abilities have expanded as a result of enthusiastic study with well known artists:
Art Journaling ~ Kathleen Barnes - St. Louis Artist's Guild
Painting Portraits, Stretching Within ~ Misty Mawn - Online workshops
Still Life Painting - Billyo O''Donnell - The Foundry, St. Charles, MO
Drawing as Meditation - Robert Regis Dvorak - Maui workshop
Drawing the Human Figure - Jordon Sokol - Florence Academy of Art, Florence, Italy
Jane discovered her passion for Plein air and pastel simultaneously while taking a Pastel I workshop with renowned plein air pastel artist, Michael Clements. She eagerly plunged into painting at local Plein air events while honing her pastel skills through further instruction in the medium of pastel. Classes with nationally known artists ensued:
Pastel I, II, Private lessons ~ Michael Clements - Plein air on Maui
Pastel Landscapes - Michelle Wells - St. Louis, MO
Nocturnal Pastel Painting - Christine Ivers
Pastel Plein Air Painting - Richard McKinley - Bend, OR
Awards and sales have been the rewards of Jane's artistic dedication. A Purchase Award and First Place Ribbon were garnered at the 2016 Steelville Plein Air. She has also exhibited in galleries, including The Art House in Fulton, MO, where her works currently hang as an artist in residence.
Jane & her husband travel extensively. Highlights of their travels include a photographic safari in Kenya, the Great Wall of China, RV trip to Alaska, a Mediterranean cruise, and various trips to Europe, including Paris & Florence. Their time is divided between home in St. Louis and their condo in Maui.