The Artist

In Late 2007 Jackie attended a Master Artist Seminar given by world renowned wildlife artist John Seerey_Lester in Osprey, Florida who has published over 300 limited edition prints with Mill Pond Press.
John gave instruction on a huge range of painting techniques, composition, lighting and abstract structure within realism compositions. Seerey-Lester gave painting demonstrations on a vast array of wildlife subjects. Discussions were held regarding every aspect of the painting industry and artistic techniques. He took time with attendees for one on one instruction.

Wildlife Art Seminar with World Renowned John Seerey-Lester

Jackie had the privilege of attending a workshop with wildlife artist John Banovich in his studio just north of Yellowstone National Park
John gave intensive instruction on many aspects of wildlife art. However the focus of the workshop was on composition. She came away with much more than she had hoped for.
She took advantage of the trip to photograph and observe wildlife in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks as well.

In 2010 Jackie hosts and attends acclaimed wildlife artist Derek Wicks Atlantic Canada Workshop

World Renowned African Wildlife Artist critiques Jackie’s most recent work.

In 2010 Jackie had the pleasure of hosting and attending wildlife artist Derek Wicks premiere Atlantic Canada workshop.
Derek has the special honor of being named the Ducks Unlimited Canada National Artist of the Year in both 2007 and 2010.
Derek instructed the group on painting techniques, color, color relationship, composition and how to create depth. It was an amazing learning experience for Jackie. 

Jackie Painting en Plein Air

When Jackie paints wildlife the finished painting comes from a host of resources. First, she observes the animal, studying it’s behavior and how it interacts with its environment. Then, she will sketch the subject in several poses as references for the actual painting.
Both of the above  are often interrupted as she clicks away on her mega - zoom camera capturing color, lighting, extra poses, detailed close-ups, and so on. Many works require several encounters with the subject over a period of days. As we all know, most animals just won’t stand still, or for that matter stay around!
Then off to her studio she goes ... out comes the paints, brushes and a canvas. Over the next few weeks  an amazing transformation occurs, as globs of paint meet and blend, are whisked up by fine sable bristles, caressed across canvas in layer upon layer ... on the final day supper is missed ... why is it so hard to see? ... oh it’s dark outside ... what time is it anyway?... Then, in the wee hours of the morning it’s finished!

Sketching

Jackie’s work is known for its incredible detail and true to nature accuracy. Every hair is painstakingly painted in, the finest details included, the glimmer in the eye captured ... Each work is a labor of love.

Jackie’s foremost goal when painting is to reflect what she experiences in nature. That’s where her business title wilderness reflections comes in. “A painting shouldn’t be only what you see, it should convey the experience you had when you where there.”
So, whether it be the wind moving through the trees, the sharpness of the sea air, or the quiet stillness hovering over the salt marsh; Jackie strives to convey the “feeling” of the site.
When it comes to painting animals (Jackie’s first love), she captures both image and attitude. The eager glimmer in the otter’s eye, the haughty disregard by the bull moose, the nervous concern reflected in the mother seal’s eyes.
Her knowledge of wildlife characteristics and habitat is astounding. Years of first hand observation, watching wildlife documentaries and reading have helped her develop a mental encyclopedia of wildlife knowledge.