In the Studio with Maryland Artist Jen Eidson

Today, we’re going In the Studio with Maryland artist Jen Eidson. Jen’s artwork was recently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Our Maryland Gallery exhibit.

After studying fine art and art history at Indiana University, Jen Eidson spent much of her time focusing on her family and career in archives and libraries. Although she has always had a passion for art, she did not actively pursue  her creativity until 2016. Once her children were of school age, she began an oil painting class, something she had not really focused on while in school. Though she had previous experience in acrylics, photography and graphic design, this was a new experience for her. With her new appreciation for oils, Jen creates stunning landscapes and botanicals. Her work varies from detailed realism to some pieces that are a little looser and airying on the side of impressionism. She has a strong sense of color throughout her body of work, especially when painting scenery and skies. 

Here’s Jen talking about her art, process and experience…

What art do you most identify with?

I enjoy and appreciate all forms of art, and the art I enjoy creating the most (currently) is oil painting on wood panel. I admire some abstract and plein air art, however that's not what comes out on the canvas for me! 

When did you realize you were an artist?

In 8th grade, drawing and pastel painting with perspective clicked for me and I realized I had a natural talent. This was validated shortly after in high school, when an 18x24 pastel painting I did of my dog was selected for display in the school's front office for the whole school year.  

How did you get into your art/side-gig?

Once my kids were more or less self sufficient and starting school, I needed to have an activity that was just for me. After some thought, I decided to sign up for an oil painting class at the Columbia Art Center.  I wasn't interested in another degree like an MFA, or the stress of critiques. The oil painting class was a wonderful experience for me to reconnect with my artistic side in a friendly setting. A few people expressed interest in purchasing some of the first paintings I created, and after a year or so, I realized this could be a side-gig. 

What are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on 4 paintings.  Two are oil paintings that are part of an ongoing National Parks series I've been adding to for several years: "Acadia 4" and "Chincoteague Island 3."  The other two are acrylic paintings which are part of a different series of paintings of a family summer camp: "Birch Spring Cabin" and "Project Cabin."

What food, drink, song inspires you?

Food: I'm into clean eating, less processed food, but I can't live without chocolate!  

Drink: Water 

Song: I prefer genre channels for music from the 90s, and current alternative/indie music 

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

Quote from one of my collectors: "When I see your paintings, I can't help from smiling and thinking, 'Wow! She really captured that!' You are truly a blessing to those around you."

 What role does the artist have in society?

Let's face it.  Not everyone appreciates art, and it is continually undervalued.  Artists need to step up and learn the business side in order to  make our collective creativity heard and seen and felt.  The world needs love and compassion and art is an essential way to bring that out to foster the good in humanity.

What’s your dream job?

I would really love to run a bed and breakfast, with an art studio and gallery of art from travels.

Is there any local artist that Inspires you? If so, who and why?

I really like artist Rachael McCampbell from Tennessee because of her speciality in using cold wax medium in my oil paintings, and the loose style of her landscapes.

Why art?

It's something I'm good at and it always gives me a second wind to paint.

For more information on Jen and her beautiful landscapes and botanicals, check out her website: https://www.jeneidsonart.com/.