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Artist Insights
Personal stories from Jennifer, Q&As, and reflections on life as an independent artist (challenges, goals, growth).
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
8 hours ago2 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
The Stingray Naming Saga Continues
The stingray painting is looking for a name! Share your ideas in the comments or visit the Mustang Library in November to be part of the Stingray Naming Contest.
Jennifer Jones
Nov 11, 20251 min read
Originality in Art: Lessons from Nature at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
A museum visit reminded me of a college professor’s challenge: there are no new ideas, only new ways to see them. From shells and mollusks to a boomerang-headed amphibian, I found endless inspiration for future paintings—and a reminder that originality in art often begins with looking closely at what’s already around us.
Jennifer Jones
Nov 5, 20253 min read
Mustang Library Art Delivery: The Day Everything Went Wrong (and Right)
From a low tire to a missing phone and a secret painting challenge, see how we delivered artwork to the Mustang Library. A funny and heartfelt behind-the-scenes story.
Jennifer Jones
Nov 2, 20253 min read
Fantasy Coffins: The Houston Adventure
Our Houston trip began at the National Museum of Funeral History, home to the largest collection of Fantasy Coffins outside Ghana. From presidential funerals to lobster shaped coffins, the exhibits were moving, unusual, and fascinating.
Jennifer Jones
Oct 26, 20252 min read
Art on the Move
I picked up my art from the Midwest City Library and the stingray is heading to The Village Art Festival on Oct. 11! Come see the newly renovated stingray, the slow-moving Merry Men of Mount Rushmore, and shop calendars, notecards, postcards, and original paintings.
Jennifer Jones
Oct 10, 20251 min read