My art style is an odd one – a mix of Impressionism and 1950s Realism. Edgar Degas meets with Edward Hopper. I say it’s an odd combination because in Impressionist work, free brushstrokes took precedence over meticulous ones while in Realist work a la 1950s, the opposite was true. Despite their differences in how paintings were made, both artistic movement depicted fleeting moments that had small doses of nostalgia, elegance, and wag.
So when I happened upon Janet Hill’s online shop, a studio filled with just this type of artwork, I made the little hearts next to images of her pieces shine bright red. Always one to strike up a conversation, I sent her a message asking if she would be willing to answer a few questions for me. Agreeing, she gave me her clever answers to my clever questions below. We have never “met” but she really seems like a gem of an individual. I encourage you to check out her work and make those little red hearts shine as well.
Maddie: Can you give a brief description of your work?
Janet: My work is best described as oil paintings that are typically narrative and don’t take themselves too seriously.
Maddie: What or when inspires you?
Janet: Movies (lots and lots), books, magazines, blogs, walks with my dog.
Maddie: If your work was a person or a place, who or what would it be?
Janet: A crazy little old lady’s closet. The kind of closet that has endless pairs of shoes, fox stoles, figurines, birdcages. Not sure what kind of visual that brings to mind….
Maddie: What is on your Christmas list?
Janet: A bottle of Cognac and a Diptyque ‘Feu de Bois’ candle. My favorite scent in the world.
Maddie: Pretend you have an amazing event to attend – let’s say a wedding. You have to look amazing but only have a few options for your outfit – a statement necklace, statement shoes, or a statement purse. Which ONE would you choose and why?
Janet: Although I do enjoy accessorizing, I’m more into a statement dress rather than shoes or a necklace or a purse. In fact, I rarely wear jewelry and when I do, it’s usually to dress up something really casual.
Call me a planner and then continue to laugh because I’ve already planned my future collection of Janet Hill pieces. Seriously.
