Artist Spotlight: Janet Hill

I’m trying to find a way to describe to you guys just how much I adore the work of Janet Hill and how infatuated I am with the whimsy and fable and emotion she conveys. I keep coming back to – “I just freaking love it!” If I could pick a style of art to depict my soul (and I’m really not being overdramatic here): this is it.

I stumbled across Janet’s Etsy shop last week and, after browsing through every print there and clicking over to her blog and scrolling back through the archives, I became completely obsessed. I sent her an email to a) declare my undying devotion (was that creepy, Janet? I’m sorry) and b) ask her permission to share some of her art here on The Gathered Home. I’m very pleased to say that a) she did not respond with a restraining order and b) she’s kindly allowed me to share some of my favorite pieces with you!

I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that I’ve been living under a rock and you all already know and love her gorgeous paintings (if so, I have to ask, why in the name of common decency didn’t you already tell me about them?), but if you haven’t yet explored the whimsical world of Janet Hill Studio… Well, it is my supreme pleasure to introduce you!

I will note that it is with great restraint I have selected a FEW of my favorites to share here today, in the interest of not duplicating Ms. Hill’s entire Etsy shop…

The Outskirts. I have to start with one of my favorites. The colors, the brush strokes, the way the foliage wraps around the painting and we’re peeking into the story… See those roses? Those are the roses these roses wanted to be when they grew up.

Miss Moon Was a Dog Governess. One of the brilliant things about Janet Hill is her storytelling. Miss Moon is a fantastic character who stars in twenty “lessons” with her pupils – a bevvy of adorable dogs. Go see the full series here. This is lesson one: Be Kind To The Wildlife And They May Return The Favor One Day.

Her Face Launched a Thousand Ships. Quite possibly my favorite piece. I love that the style and colors are historical, but the subject is surprising. I would dearly love to put this in an ornate gilded frame and hang it front and center on the mantel – old ancestral portrait style. Then I could tell myself a story about my bold and gracious great great aunt and draw strength from her example – I hope that doesn’t sound corny, but I love Janet’s portrayal of women. Each one is interesting and inspiring and soul-nourishing…

Okay, I’m done being analytical now, but seriously – I want to be this woman:

Can we all agree that she belongs on my dining room moodboard?

And with that, I’m going to send you to the Janet Hill Studio on Etsy to nurture your newfound crush and to Janet’s blog to hear more from the artist herself!

What do you think? Are you as in love as I am??!

 

Disclaimer: Artist Spotlights are posts where I share about a new-to-me favorite artist and are not compensated in any way – just me gushing to you about something I love!