Jessica Drew
Jess Drew, a Florida native, grew up spending her free time painting palm trees, dolphins, marshes and beaches. In high school and college she studied and developed a love for portraiture.
Jess thinks the human figure is akin to God's own canvas and relishes painting most especially ... moreJess Drew, a Florida native, grew up spending her free time painting palm trees, dolphins, marshes and beaches. In high school and college she studied and developed a love for portraiture.
Jess thinks the human figure is akin to God's own canvas and relishes painting most especially eyes, hands ... and babies! While raising children, Jess began painting commissioned portraits. She soon had a waitlist of over a year for her heirloom portrait work. This gave her the springboard to pursue art full time.
After some years, wishing to challenge her creativity Jess decided to try painting for galleries. While Jess brainstormed ideas of what she could paint that would sell quickly in a gallery setting, a still small voice from her heart asked why not paint the greatest story ever told? Inspired by the robust artistic tradition of the Catholic church, and influenced by the greats - Bouguereau, Velazquez and Chambers, Jess began painting Jesus, Mary and iconic symbols of her Catholic faith, in a way that she felt shed new light, from a new angle. She was astonished by the demand for these works, even in local secular galleries.
Currently, Jess almost solely focuses on commissioned portraits and religious pieces for galleries, homes and churches. While Jess will occasionally paint in oil or acrylic, her favorite and most used medium is watercolor. Jess' aesthetic has been called ethereal while remaining representational. Jess loves creating mystery in a work, by playing with and layering colors and opacities, something she finds most achievable in watercolor. Patrons gravitate to her works for their diaphanous and modern feel. Jess finds immeasurable joy in creating and sharing her religious pieces and prays that each of her works serves to glorify God.
A portion of profits from sales go to Paint Hope, a nonprofit I am affiliated with that provides funding and supplies for art therapy departments in children's cancer centers. Ave Maria!!
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