Janet Gendreau

Drawing, painting and creating art have been a major part of my life since I was very young. I spent a great deal of time exploring the country roads where I grew up and enjoyed spending long hours drawing and painting those scenes. While my life took other work directions while raising a family, I was pleased that after relocating to Bristol, RI in 2006, I had the opportunity to rekindle my interest in painting. After attending a demonstration on pastel painting, I knew I wanted to learn more about this fascinating medium. Since then, I have been fortunate to study and attend workshops with a number of wonderful artists and mentors whose shared knowledge and encouragement continue to motivate me on my journey to learn more and look at our world with new appreciation.

Our beautiful coastal region offers an abundance of painting opportunities. I am drawn to the effects of light and atmosphere especially on the quiet beauty of marshes and coastal landscapes. I am inspired by my surroundings and strive to reflect my feelings of time and place and connection to nature with the viewer. Painting with pastels offers such immediacy of application and effects, a big asset when working outdoors when weather conditions can change quickly.