About the Artist
At a very young age, I sat and watched my mother paint, mesmerized by how she pushed those rich, creamy colors around until blobs and strokes became beautiful scenes and objects. It felt like that must be the most fun thing a person could do, and I wanted to try it someday. Today, the desire and passion to paint that began so young never escapes me. Although my formal training was limited, it would be unfair to several mentors and authors if I claimed to be self-taught. It has been my privilege to glean from the knowledge and experience of many masters, both old and present-day. I don't have to look very far for inspiration; life with my husband, twelve kids, and loads of grandchildren offer me many "life's moments" to savor and paint. |
For nearly 40 years, Jan Bower has painted hundreds of commissioned portraits, and even more realistic illustrations for children's books. Her art has won numerous awards at art fairs throughout the Great Lakes Region, and some of her books have won national awards. Jan is skilled in many mediums, including oil, pastel, colored pencil, pen & ink, and charcoal. She is also the creator of Drawing Success, a DVD course that has received rave reviews. In it, she teaches and demonstrates the principles and techniques of drawing that she has taught for 20 years in her home studio. |
Servant of All
Servant of All (2017)
As a wife and mother, I have had many opportunities to serve people. I can think of no greater role model in this area than Jesus, who willingly served with total humility. The Biblical account can be read in John 13:1-17. The foot is my husband's, the hands belong to my son-in-law, and the beautiful pitcher was a handmade wedding present from a dear friend in 1977. Cardinals in Winter
Cardinals in Winter (2017)
This painting evokes many things in me. Lingering memories of past seasons. The silence of the unknown. Life's blustery chill. But the main thing I'm reminded of is how God remains with us even as we go through tough experiences – experiences that work to produce faithfulness in us. As this male and female weather it out together, another is looking on from a higher vantage point. Serenity
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Serenity (2016)
My goal with this painting was to create a marriage between longing and peace. The scenery stirs an almost mysterious sense of yearning and waiting, so I decided to add a young woman to the foreground to represent all of us who are experiencing a personal journey of waiting. While creating this sense of anticipation, it was equally important to develop that precious sense of peace. This is accomplished with the young woman's body language. She is yearning, yes, but also dreaming, relaxed and content, enjoying the beauty of that moment as she trusts her future to her Creator. |
Summer Dance
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Summer Dance (2016)
I've always loved poppies swaying in a summer breeze. I challenged myself with this three-panel scene of orange-red poppies on a subtle blue-gray background. My goal was to capture a life-like celebration of these playful beauties in a magical misty setting. Abandoned Homestead
Abandoned Homestead (2016)
Peeking through the trees and into a clearing we see an old abandoned homestead that time seems to have forgotten. Imagine the stories it could tell if only it could speak! For at one time, this was someone's home, where real, nitty-gritty, daily life was lived. I enjoyed painting this setting, and I suspect it would be equally fun to explore such a place. Heavenly Peace
Heavenly Peace (2013)
One of my daughters and one of my grandsons posed for this most precious piece. The subject matter is truly of the most profound nature. To think that the Creator of the universe would deliver the Savior of mankind into the care of such a young maternal novice! I tried to capture this truth in a painting, but in reality, it's the truth in the painting that captures me.
Flowers in Clear Glass Vase
Flowers in Clear Glass Vase (2016)
Not only can the painting of florals be very relaxing, just looking at them can also bring great refreshment to the spirit. I set up this arrangement in my studio with plenty of northern light. Flower Vase with Fruit
Flowers Vase with Fruit (2017)
The use of curls in the floral arrangement and in the orange make for a fun exercise in duplicating curves to create a feeling of rhythm. Doll Hospital
Doll Hospital
One can not start too early when it comes to cultivating compassion in a human heart. This young caregiver's eyes and hands exemplify the kind of warmth, sympathy, and understanding our world so desperately needs. I painted this piece as an illustration for my husband's book What Do Heroes Wear? which was named 2012 Book of the Year by the Christian Small Publishers Association. Pathway to Paradise
Pathway to Paradise
I love the simplicity of rural living, and few things portray it better than bare feet headed to the fishing hole. With a little imagination, you can almost hear a lazy harmonica, or possibly a whistler from Mayberry. Two of my nephews and their dog posed for me along the dirt road adjacent to my house. Land of Promise
Land of Promise
Whether it's a painting, a garden, or a business venture, we must persevere with diligence and hard work in order to have any hope of success. This ability to persist requires enough vision to see past difficulties and focus on the eventual reward. Being able to appreciate the opportunities I have in this "land of promise" helps me press on -- one row, one brush stroke, one day at a time. |
Am I Bigger Yet?
Am I Bigger Yet?
When I found one of my daughters measuring her sister with the tape upside-down, I just had to grab my camera. According to the tape she's only about an inch tall, but she's stretching for every bit of it! Fashion Show
Fashion Show
There's an intriguing and playful sort of mystery in the keepsakes of past generations. Imagine this little girl peeking inside a pine chest to discover fashionable garments of long ago. It would be only natural for her to wonder if they fit, and after trying them on, to be whisked far away to a bygone era. |