Artist Statement:
“My art is a genuine response to the natural settings I find myself in, as well as emotions felt deep within. With my brush I try to grasp an essence of the place capturing what I feel is “the visual music of the landscape”. Each movement of the brush becomes a colourful note or chord which plays out the scene. Painting the landscape, even in abstracted interpretations, enlightens and challenges me to find new ways to observe and treasure it.” Jane
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Biography
Jane Appleby is a prolific and intuitive painter who paints with the vigor of her love of life, inspired by the Canadian Landscape, often painting outdoors in the tradition of the Canadian Group of Seven.
She has been mentored by many artists including the late Robert Genn who coined her a full member of “The 37 Club” (painting a painting in less then 37 minutes and another in 37 strokes). Her impressionistic and colourful paintings have also been described as: “Emily Carr Meets Gaugin” both spiritual in nature and colourfully unique.
The works of Van Gogh, Mondrian, Kandinsky and Rothko have been influential to Jane. She recalls being especially moved by viewing original works in museums by these artists as well as more contemporary ones like Emily Carr, BC Binning, Jack Shadbolt and Gordon Smith. All of these had an impact on her taking up painting more seriously. Her architect father also nurtured Jane’s process while he was alive.
Jane’s favourite mediums are acrylic and oil although she is proficient in watercolours and mixed media. Initially self taught, she furthered her studies at Emily Carr University.
Jane was born in the Czech Republic and immigrated to Vancouver in 1969 with her parents and brother, Frank Pochyly, who also is an artist. She currently lives in Burnaby with her husband, some of their young adult children (five in total), a dog and two cats. She also frequents Galiano Island, a favourite painting destination. She enjoys quality time in nature as much as possible, including mountain hikes, kayaking, and skiing.
Jane is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and serves on the Gallery Committee at Port Moody Arts Centre. She instructs painting workshops at Place Des Arts in Coquitlam and for various art groups. She also teaches watercolours on the Cunard Cruise Lines and an after school children’s art program for the Burnaby School Board.
She has done commissions and customized art instruction. Her artwork has contributed to many fundraising events including Big Brothers, Empty Bowls, and L’Arche Greater Vancouver.
Jane’s current focus is exploring her creative response to the landscape on location and exploring abstraction from these experiences.
Education:
2016 Mitchell Albala – Oils – Southwest School of Art, Washington, USA 2015 Brent Lynch Plein Air Workshop – Vancouver Island 2013 Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design – Fine Arts Techniques Certificate
2013 Robert Genn and Sara Genn Workshop at Holly Hock (Plein Air to Abstraction)
2013/12 FCA Plein Air Painting Workshops: Whistler/Saltspring Island
2010-2011 Marcia Burtt, MA, California, USA – Plein Air Acrylics
2008,2004,2002 Don Farrell SFCA, Vancouver- Abstraction
2004 Allesandra Bitelli, SFCA, CSPWC – Composition
2002 Suzanne Northcott, SFCA – Figure Drawing
2001 David Langavin, SFCA – Acrylics
2000 Mike Svob, SFCA – Oils, Watercolors
2000 – Bachelor of Science, Simon Fraser University
Memberships:
- The Federation of Canadian Artists – Exhibiting Member
- Port Moody Arts Centre – Gallery Committee Member
- Burnaby Artists Guild: Past President, Past Program Coordinator
Awards:
2016 Honourable Mention Award for “Ocean’s Turmoil” – Federation of Canadian Artists, From Life Show
2015 2nd Place Award for “Wave Front” – Federation of Canadian Artists, Landscape Show February
2012 Award of Excellence for “In White” – Federation of Canadian Artists, Abstarct Show February
2009 CAPA Anual Greeting Card Contest Honour Award for Opposites Attract and Winter’s Peace
2008 BC 150 Photographic Show – “Which Way”- Runner Up in Urban Landscape. Also accepted: “Opposites Attract” & “Winter Reflections”.
2007 Spirit Award Design – Mural with Bryony Hollick chosen for award.
2006 Favourite Artist ( Silver for Favourite Painting “Cascades” and “Community”) — Burnaby Artists Guild Show – Shadbolt Centre
2004 Favourite Painting (silver) for “Falls and Trees” — Burnaby Artists Guild.
Publications/Articles:
- “Between Cottages” Story Book by Jane Appleby with paintings and photos by Passionate Outdoor Painters (First Choice Books Publishers)
- Canadian Greeting Cards – Snowy Inlet 2013, Winters Peace and Cypress Mountain Photos 2012
- BC Artists Book – Volumne Three, Juried Publication 2012
- Living with Christ – Novalis Publishing Feb. 2012 Front Cover, detail of Painting: Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Canadian Association of Photographic Arts – “Opposites Attract” photo published in 2010 Spring Magazine
- New York City Art Book Project – Juried publication: “November in Central Park”
- BC Catholic Photo/Interview -“Celebrating for a Cause” Malin Jordan March 22/10
- United Way Community Spirit Award 2007 (Mural Art used for award)
- News leader Burnaby/NewWest Feature – Wanda Chow March 30/06
- BC Catholic Feature/Interview/Photos – Maureen Mahon May 8/06
- Tri City News Sept.25/05 – “Mural Priceless Legacy”-Larry Pruner.
- Vancouver Sun Feb.16/04 B3 – “No Plain Jane Art Show at Place Des Art”
- Multi Faith Calendar (2005) – May Image: “Cascades”
- Multi Faith Calendar (2004) – Dec Image: “Wisdom”
- Vancouver Sun – Around Town Feb 16, 2004
- Burnaby Now Newspaper -studio tour June 14, 2003, Article April 11, 2001
Donations
- Big Brothers,
- Camery Children’s Services,
- Burnaby Hospital Foundation
- L’Arche Community for The Developmentally Disabled
- Coquitlam Football Association
- Burnaby’s Empty Bowls
- St. Michael’s – Burnaby
Artistic Mentors
Robert Genn
Sara Genn
Brent Lynch
Liz Wiltzen Thomas Jefferson Kitts, USA
Marcia Burtt, USA
Don Farrell
Allisandra Bittelli
Susanne Northcott
Mike Svob
David Langavin
Janice Robertson