Janne Matter paints representational images, which is the most rewarding aspect of her life.  Whether it is a magnificent flower, resting wooden boat, fresh fruit, powerful ocean, snowcapped mountain or life’s quiet scenes, she wants to draw the viewer into the image for a closer look and contemplation.  Upon entering her painting surface the image begins to break down into masses of shapes and colors with a conscientious use of color wheel opposites.  Her use of acrylic paints allows the most vibrant of colors to emerge, maintaining the high saturation level she desires while maintaining color-fastness.  Color is reflected back through numerous layers of washes to create the blend in the eye.

While director of an art gallery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Janne came face to face with Leukemia in 1983, no cure and a short time to make some major decisions about what she wanted to accomplish on this earth.  The largest void was a wish to paint beautiful images of the flowers in my gardens.  She asked two of the artists if they would take me on as a pupil.  Michael Heberlein was my first instructor.  She set up an easel in his atelier and we began.  David Brumbaugh would contribute to the critiques and soon she was sent to work in my own studio, entered a juried show immediately and was accepted.  A passion for painting has remained with me throughout life’s journey and she feels that having much to say with a paintbrush helped me fight and overcome my battle with cancer, receiving a clean bill of health in 2005.

Facing the new challenge of being divorced and living on her own in 1997, Janne went back to Michigan State University, changed her major to painting, graduated in 2000 and set out across the United States in search of the perfect painting venue.  She was introduced to wooden boats which combined her love of the ocean, mountains and foliage.  Her “day job” as a manager of fabric stores and designer led her to Boston and more wooden boats, Sarasota and lush tropical foliage and now, best of all, family in Phoenix.  The decision to paint full time came about in 2004 giving me more time to explore new painting opportunities.

Janne is also available for special commissions.  She will work from your photographs and enhance the image with her artistic insights in your desired size, creating a unique piece of art just for you.  Please contact the gallery for more information.