Vermilion Arts Guild's Janine Jacobs Beleski: Painting with Passion

Janine Jacobs Beleski is a skilled watercolorist who’s work demonstrates “loose” technique, very dream and etherial. Her florals are some of the most outstanding pieces of artwork in the Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery.

What is your medium? “Watercolor and mixed medium”

Did you choose your medium or did it choose you? “It was mutual.”

What inspired you to create art? “I just had to do it! Whether I was happy, sad, bored, or lonely, I created. There is no one reason.”

At what age did you start creating art? “I started as a child but there were long gaps, even years, where I didn’t create.”

Is this a hobby, a passion or a pursuit? “It’s both a passion and a pursuit. I am very passionate about my art. I won’t paint if I don’t feel the passion. I am always in pursuit of the next great painting. Not many paintings get that label.”

What is your favorite part of creating your art? “Simply the process of putting wet color on paper.”

Did you have another job outside of your art? “I was a graphic designer until I had to change my career. I went back to college at age 52 and got a degree in Applied Science and worked as a personal trainer and an exercise instructor for many years.”

Did your art at all relate to your job or was it an escape? “While I was a graphic designer my art was my work but now my studio time gives me an escape.”

What brings you to the Vermilion Arts Guild? “We bought a house here. I like that it its where my work can be noticed. The occasional sale is nice, too.”

What do you think someone would like to know about you as it relates to your art? “All of my abstracts come from my heart. All of them except two have sold and those two will never be for sale.”

Best moment ever as it relates to your art. “My best moments are seeing my art as part of someone’s home.”

You can click here to find a collection of Janine’s artwork.