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Artist Insights
Personal stories from Jennifer, Q&As, and reflections on life as an independent artist (challenges, goals, growth).
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
O.M.G.! Just… No: Funny January Reflection
Meet the January Monk, a grumpy little sage silently protesting the new year’s resolutions. A funny January reflection full of dry humor, sarcastic observations, and a creative prompt for your own rebellion.
Jennifer Jones
Jan 13 min read
After the Walls Are Quiet: Setting Up at Street SmARTs Gallery
Yesterday I set up my exhibit at Street SmARTs Gallery. From a blank wall to a wall bursting with color, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the art, the helpers, and the walls with personalities of their own.
Jennifer Jones
Dec 21, 20252 min read
Discover the 2026 Humanized Grotesque Calendar: Twelve Faces You Can’t Look Away From
Meet the 2026 humanized grotesque calendar—twelve unsettling yet captivating faces. Discover their stories and contact Jennifer S Jones to purchase your copy!
Jennifer Jones
Nov 23, 20252 min read
Wildebeest or Bust: A Road Trip to Remember
Before I paint an animal, I want to see it in person - not a picture or a video - in real life. Everywhere we go, we take a trip to the zoo. We have visited zoos all over the country.
Jennifer Jones
Nov 20, 20254 min read
Finding Beauty in the Process and Accepting What We Cannot Control
I spent years hoping to go gray only to learn something deeper about art, life, and patience. This is a story about letting go of control and embracing the journey.
Jennifer Jones
Nov 16, 20253 min read