Levasseur, Jeanne

While my work is often an internal reflection of the many places I’ve traveled, I am especially inspired and awed by the striking terrain and the tumultuous and temperamental skies of the Pacific Northwest. This incredible beauty of the natural world holds endless inspiration for me and seemingly begs to be put on record. 

When beginning a painting, I initially rely on photographs, “plein-air” and memory, but sometime thereafter, spontaneity and intuition take over and become integral components of the process. 

I find that I often return to certain themes, forms and compositions and in doing so, landscapes become my prevalent focus and trees and water in particular have a special fascination as their imagery frequently appears in my paintings. 

Rather than represent each setting with a faithful accuracy to the original physical source, I strive to capture and evoke a sense of spirit and emotional intimacy using color, light and space. 

My art stands as an embodiment of inward states of mind and being, and serves as the receptacle of memory, longing, loneliness and promise.

Biography
I was born in Berkeley, California in 1957 and in 1967 moved to Bellingham, Washington where I lived for over 30 years.In the late 70’s, I studied under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Schlotterback and Tom Sherwood while pursuing my BA degree in Studio Art from Western Washington University.My concentration was in figure drawing and oil painting.After graduating, I spent a decade working in various jobs, all in the managerial field.In 1992, I left the business of working for others to work for myself and in 2003 became an artist full time.I now reside in Portland, Oregon on two rustic acres with lots of trees.