North Carolina
Jenny Buckner, Cat on a Ledge, oil, 20 x 24.
What inspired your winning entry? The painting was inspired by my love for animals. I went to visit a feline rescue center and spied this pretty tabby sleeping in the sun on a window sill. She looked so perfect. The light and shadows were beautiful.
How would you describe your style? I would describe my style as loose except for the most important part, which is usually the face or focal point. I like using color, lots of color.
What artists, living or deceased, have influenced your work? My favorite artists are Richard Schmid, John Singer Sargent, and Joaquin Sorolla. I began painting by trying to imitate my favorite artists’ styles.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Paint what you love. When you love something, it comes across, whether directly or indirectly. Never paint just to sell.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? Maybe I would write books or go back to school to be a veterinarian. Being a mom has been my favorite thing.
What is one thing you will never paint? I would have to say nudes. Even though I have painted them before, they make me uncomfortable.
What’s the most meaningful recognition you’ve received for your artwork? Winning shows and contests is really nice, but having your family fight over your paintings is probably the best recognition of all.
When you are not painting, what do you enjoy doing? I love to read books, lots and lots of books. I also enjoy my animals—I have two dogs and two cats currently. I enjoy making jewelry, taking photographs, and knitting.
What galleries represent your work? Twigs & Leaves Gallery, Waynesville, NC; Red Wolf Gallery, Brevard, NC; The Village Potters, Asheville, NC; Sandra Neustadter Gallery, Delray Beach, FL.
Featured in the December 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
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