We recently had the chance to connect with Janine Helton and have shared our conversation below.
Janine, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
When I learned that one of my students/mentees received a top award in a recent St. Louis Watercolor Society show — and also sold her painting at the exhibition! She began her watercolor journey with me just two years ago, and I always told her that she is a better artist than she realizes. Her success makes me very proud!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a watercolor artist specializing in birds and portraits. Though I dabbled with drawing and a variety of arts and crafts throughout my life, I have had no formal art education. As an empty-nester in 2009, I began taking watercolor lessons from a local artist as a way to entertain myself. I then expanded my horizons by taking the occasional workshop with big-name watercolorists like Carl Purcell, Janet Rogers, and Ted Nuttall. Watercolor painting opened up a whole new world to me, and I was hooked!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught by example. When my dad retired from his government job at age 57, he kept busy with his greenhouse business/hobby, stamp collecting, volunteering at church, and of course, being a father to seven young adults at the time!
My mom was a busy homemaker. In addition to raising seven kids, she sewed clothes for the family, canned fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, and kept an impeccable house — our neighbor called her “the energizer bunny.” My parents were very frugal and kept the home running in such a way that we all thought we were rich (we weren’t).
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve never “almost given up” as far as watercolor in general is concerned. As a student, however, I had a terrible habit of quitting in the middle of a painting and starting over because it wasn’t turning out “right.” (I am a bit of a perfectionist.) I would begin the painting again (and again), only to end up at the exact place I had been stuck the first time! After months of this frustrating behavior, a wise workshop instructor opened my eyes to the fact that I needed to work through the difficulty and either “kill it or cure it” (the painting, that is). It was at that point in my journey that my artwork really began to improve.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think so! Whether on social media, in live interviews, in writing or teaching, I strive to be genuine without oversharing. I send out two newsletters per month in which I discuss all kinds of inspirational and artsy things, including painting techniques, studio practices, cats, birds, and upcoming events. Though I sometimes touch on personal struggles, I try to keep my writings upbeat and encouraging as well as authentic and professional. The same goes for my artwork. I paint what I love, and I hope my paintings bring joy to the viewer!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am painting. The world can be falling apart, literally or figuratively, and I can be filled with fear and heartbreak over what a loved one is going through, but when I am painting I become completely absorbed in what I’m creating. My studio is my happy place, even if only for a little while before I have to face reality again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.janheltonartworks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janheltonartworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanHeltonArtworks/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfHhjWkP_XwcClmbCxei2Tg?view_as=subscriber
- Other: Daily Paintworks
https://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/janine-helton-15967
