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Artist Insights
Personal stories from Jennifer, Q&As, and reflections on life as an independent artist (challenges, goals, growth).
“OMG! That’s Hilarious” - May’s Laughing Monk
May’s monk is caught mid-laugh, eyes squinting, mouth wide open, radiating joy. Discover the contagious humor hidden in life’s little absurdities, and learn why laughter is a sacred path to delight.
Jennifer Jones
7 days ago2 min read
Resurrected Paintings: The Shark Always Moving
The shark returns to the canvas in the resurrected paintings series—always moving, quietly waiting, and finally ready for its turn.
Jennifer Jones
Apr 242 min read
Capsule Wardrobe, But Make It Me
I set out to build a capsule wardrobe, simple and neutral. I came home with seven pairs of pants, one shirt, and a much better understanding of my style.
Jennifer Jones
Apr 84 min read
O.M.G.! I’m Fine—ish — How This Goofy Monk Found Inner Peace
April brings blooms, chaos, and the monk who perfected the “meh, it’s fine” expression. Read his humorous journey to inner peace, one exaggerated shrug at a time.
Jennifer Jones
Apr 12 min read
Under the Surface Art Exhibit at Street SmARTS Gallery
What started as “just hanging a few paintings” turned into a full underwater world. Come see the Under the Surface art exhibit at Street SmARTS Gallery.
Jennifer Jones
Mar 292 min read
The Embosser Story: Lessons from a Cockeyed Seal
A cockeyed seal, a stubborn embosser, and lessons learned about fixing things—sometimes you just need a little help.
Jennifer Jones
Mar 82 min read
OMG! It’s Serendipity, BABY! – March’s Cosmic Surprise Monk
March’s monk calendar art, OMG! It’s Serendipity, BABY! – March’s Cosmic Surprise Monk, captures a serendipitous, uncontainable moment of joy. Astonished delight, hands over his eyes, and pure bliss invite you to marvel at the absurd perfection of simply being alive.
Jennifer Jones
Mar 13 min read
Unfinished Paintings in the Closet
While preparing for the March exhibit Small Lives, Big Ideas, I opened a closet of unfinished paintings and found ideas waiting. A reflection on rediscovery, timing, and letting small lives take center stage.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 261 min read
Small Lives, Big Ideas: Hanging the March Wall
A behind the scenes look at choosing, laying out, and hanging the March wall, Small Lives, Big Ideas, featuring insects, small moments, and a little help along the way.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 222 min read
Do Whales Get Itches? How These Gentle Giants Scratch an Itch
Ever wondered if whales get itches and how they might scratch them? From rubbing against surfaces to playful breaches, these gentle giants have some surprising ways to get relief.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 82 min read
Orange People and February Feelings at StreetSmART Gallery
Visit StreetSmART Gallery this February to see the orange people, Purplette and Romeo, in a playful, dry take on love, timing, and messy Valentine moments. Stop by First Friday or come anytime this month to experience these bold, emotionally flexible paintings that reward close looking.
Jennifer Jones
Feb 42 min read
“It’ll Be Alright” — Mantra for Hard Times
Life can be messy, unpredictable, and downright chaotic. The phrase “It’ll be alright” has carried me through courtrooms, coffee spills, and everyday disasters. Here’s why this simple mantra works—and how it might help you too.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 262 min read
When Words and Art Don’t Feel Right: My Artistic Process in Action
Discover how small adjustments in my artistic process, from a buffalo’s muzzle to an octopus’s gaze, bring my paintings to life and keep the creative journey full of surprises and laughter.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 242 min read
Coconut Octopus Painting in Green and Purple Underwater Scene
Follow the progress of my coconut octopus painting in bold green and purple. The underwater scene is still evolving, inspired by fascinating creatures from the Houston Museum of Natural History. Watch as this little octopus and its companions come to life on the canvas.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 211 min read
Creativity With Constraints: Inspiration or Frugality from Growing Up with Ten Siblings
Creativity with constraints began long before my art career. Growing up with ten siblings shaped my frugal habits, leftover paint practices, and unexpected artistic inspiration.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 183 min read
The Truth a Painting Tells in the Painting Process
Sometimes the most important lesson in art is listening to the canvas. Painting over mistakes can be the key to discovering what it truly wants to become.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 142 min read
Repairing Stacked Serenity: A Quiet Re-Do
Finishing the patch on Stacked Serenity gave me a chance to revisit the sky, water, and rocks—small adjustments, big reflections on the painting’s evolution.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 112 min read
A Painting Reboot: Chasing the Signature Piece
A painting reboot begins with big ideas, a huge canvas, and a flamingo—then takes an unexpected turn when human figures refuse to cooperate.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 82 min read
Creative Reflection: A Year of Two AIs, Two Selves, and Asking Better Questions
A creative reflection on asking AI about your work life and your art life—and discovering they politely refuse to overlap. Plus, a goat or two with opinions.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 43 min read
New Year Traditions, Modified and Still Magical
Exploring New Year traditions from around the world, modified to fit real life. From black eyed peas and suitcase walks to grapes and secret underwear colors, these rituals add joy and intention to the new year.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 12 min read