Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hayes
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a contemporary abstract painter living and working in Saint Louis, Missouri. I specialize in abstract paintings that are color and texture driven. I utilize a combination of palette knives, unique tools and brushes to manipulate the acrylic paint I use to create my recognizable signature style. My current techniques, approach and style has solidified over the past 15 years although I’ve been an artist throughout my life. Art was my focus during high school and college but at some point I abandoned the idea of it being my career and was lured by more traditional means of making a living. A personal tragedy propelled me into creating art again and gave me the determination to want to make it my life and profession. It took me a couple years to find my rhythm and develop my unique style, my brand and business. Over the years my eclectic painting style has developed an extensive following of collectors who love to surround themselves with my figurative and abstract work. My paintings are in hundreds of private and public collections around the country as well as internationally.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anything worthwhile is most likely going to have some challenges, so not a perfectly smooth road BUT I’m so lucky to have an amazing support system and to have developed so many loyal collectors, colleagues and supporters along the way.
As any small business person will testify, you have to “wear many hats” running your own business, so it is a good thing I have a serious affinity for hats. (Like I REALLY love my hats! lol) Juggling time creating in the studio with the necessity of being in the office has its challenges. Sometimes I think I need two of me! I’m lucky to have my talented daughter who helps me with my collection management, website and social media. She is a photography, social media and marketing professional so it’s a perfect pairing.
I’m so grateful for the success I’ve had but I’m always looking for new ways to introduce my work to an even wider audience. I aim to continue to expand my amazing client base and connect with new collectors who have yet to be introduced to my work regionally, nationally and all over the world!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My paintings are created by layering many colors using a variety of tools including palette knives, brushes, scrapers, modeling tools and unusual found objects. Through material based exploration I aim to create artwork that grabs the viewer from across the room with its bright bold colors but upon closer inspection lets fine intricate details reveal themselves.
I begin my pieces with a soft thin wash across the canvas. As I start laying in thicker paint using palette knives, every addition I add creates what I describe as “mountain tops and valleys”. As I apply additional layers, the “mountain tops” begin to catch more of the paint, leaving the “valleys” untouched showing off the washy underpainting. I use additional tools to carve into and scratch away at the wet paint in order to add more textural elements.
I find deep satisfaction creating work with so many layers, texture and intrigue. The end result often feels like an excavation. It is also a celebration of the materials, the tools and the process. My work continues to evolve as I explore fresh approaches with newly discovered supplies, creative instruments and artistic intent.
My website has my available paintings and some examples of my many sold pieces. I also offer commissions so that I can create custom site specific paintings for both private and commercial interiors. I enjoy working directly with collectors as well as designers who are looking for the perfect paintings for their clients spaces.
I’m currently featured in exclusive locations such as the private airport Jet Linx and Four Seasons Hotel Saint Louis where I recently created paintings for the space surrounding celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay’s newest restaurant. I’ve been honored to have celebrity Chef Hubert Keller embraced my work featuring my paintings in his restaurants in San Francisco, Saint Louis and inside Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
Pricing:
- My paintings are priced by size and ranges from $500 to $12,000
- Commissions~I love creating custom site specific paintings. Happy to discuss your space and needs!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JenniferHayesSTL.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferhayesstl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferhayesstl
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hayes
Image Credits
Headshot and handshot courtesy of
The Scout Guide, Saint Louis (@tsgsaintlouis)
Joan Fisher, photographer (@joan_fisher)
Amy Jo Mitchell, creative director (@amyjostyles)
