Artist’s Name:              Jennifer Dobinson

 Genre:                         Painter

 How long have they been creating in this genre?

            I just got back into painting in the last two years. Prior to that I “dabbled” sketching but didn’t really have a focus.

 What drew you to the genre?

            I took a class with Christine Pettit at the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre which really got me re-engaged with my art. The class was called                    “Painting Intuitively” and I loved it!

 What keeps you inspired or engaged in the genre?

            Painting intuitively, is painting by emotion and there are no rules. I used to draw and focus on realism and now I enjoy the freedom                and the creativity of painting intuitively.

 What has been your greatest delight or satisfaction in pursuit of your art?

          Participating in the Paint Ontario show. There were over 200 juried items that were selected for the display from hundreds of                          submissions. The display was at the Lambton Heritage Museum in August and it was a real honour to be selected.

         The selected piece for the Paint Ontario show was called “Misty Marsh”. The inspiration for this piece came from the ACAC: Christine               Pettit class.

What do you find most difficult about your artistic journey?

           Getting my art out there and getting people to see it. Marketing art is a challenge but it is an important part of the artist’s journey.

    I would also say that finding the time to create is often a challenge because it’s difficult to find a balance with family time, full time     employment and looking after a hobby farm.

Are you currently showing, publishing, selling or sharing your work?  How can people see your available work?

             Jennifer has a collection of work for sale. These pieces can be viewed on her new website: Jenniferdobinsonart.com 

             Facebook page – Jennifer Dobinson Art and Instagram account.

            Jennifer also displays smaller works at Home Hardware in Ailsa Craig, the Parkhill Carnegie Gallery and the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre.

            Jennifer just received word that she has been accepted into the Three Sisters Cultural Centre in St Jacobs. This is an auction and on               line show that starts October 31^st. Auction access will be through our website www.ThreeSistersCentre.ca

       Jennifer will also be participating in the Westland Gallery Square Foot Show in London, ON., which starts November 8th to December  24, 2020. This unique show will feature hundreds of square foot art pieces. It should be a very exciting show. 

What would you tell people starting out in this genre?

            Having a group to belong to is very helpful. It provides inspiration and support. Access to classes is a big thing. While there are many        on line learning opportunities these are not as responsive as an in person class.  Creating with friends is a wonderful experience.

            You also need to recognize that not everyone will love your art and you just have to stay true to your vision and keep painting what        you feel.

How has the ACAC assisted you or supported your activities. Why do you belong to the ACAC?

            The Ailsa Craig Art Centre Student’s Show in February was my first show and that was so exciting! The promotion was wonderful and         the experience was extremely positive.  Attendance for Opening Night was excellent and the enthusiasm and comments of the             attendees was empowering.

      The ACAC has enabled me to create new friendships with other like-minded people and has provided the venue for me to re-engage in           my interest. I probably would not have re-launched my painting career if not for the ACAC.

What is next for you?

            I would like to get my art into more galleries. I would like to approach some businesses about hanging art in their offices. I would    also love to do a solo show.

How does your family respond to your art?

            They are supportive and like most of it. Some of the more abstract pieces are the source of conversation but that’s ok. As I said before,    people have their personal tastes in art and     that is what makes us unique.