23 March 2013 - JENNA LEE - Guest Artist & Model

JENNA LEE

- Guest Artist & Model -

G'day guys,

Today I welcome another multi-talented guest - Jenna Lee. Jenna is a classically trained artist and professional model who’s passion for creating fine art and brand promotion to the highest degree shines through in every piece of work she does. Artistically Jenna specialises in all manner of works including landscapes, still life and nature, concentrating in the use of oil based media wherever possible.
 

When asked for her artistic philosophy, Jenna said; “In evaluating my work, I take my painting or whatever and compare it to natural objects such as trees or flowers. If it does not blend in, it is not art.” I expect my peers to use this standard to assess my work. Jenna’s life is in art, she strives to develop her style to be considered amongst the worlds finest artists and she greatly values critical feedback and views from the people she works with.

Welcome, Jenna ...

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY.

Born in the Philippines, I’m of Chinese and Filipino descent making me a unique person.  I love what I do and I am passionate about creating fine arts. I hear a lot from people telling me how they enjoy my painting and wished they could paint like me.

WERE YOU GOOD AT DRAWING AS A KID?

I was forever in trouble from my parents as it didn’t matter where we were I was forever sketching and drawing.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ARTIST?

When I was six years old my grandmother handed me a book about Claude Monet, that was the start of my obsession with fine arts. I did not want to be a Doctor or follow a career in the medical profession (my parents dream) I wanted to be an painter like Claude Monet- I began my journey studying for a degree at St Martin in 2000, immersing my self in the world of fine art.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST?

To see people enjoy seeing my painting and children who would love to be an artist like me.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST?

The pressure that I put myself under as though people tell me that my painting is outstanding, I still feel when I look at my work that it’s not good enough and for being broke constantly LOL.

DO YOU WORK FOR YOURSELF, OTHERS OR BOTH?

I work mostly for myself

WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME AN ARTIST

An explorer of the world and life.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Receiving my Master in Art honours degree in honour of my late father

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

I am working on another landscape in pastels colour

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM?

Oil, although I can work in any medium.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Nature inspires me greatly

WHAT DO YOU PREFER TO PAINT OR ILLUSTRATE?

I prefer to paint landscape and illustrate mainly with Japanese and Chinese themes

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR EMERGING ARTISTS?

The more you paint the better you get, practice makes perfect and plenty of passion.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ARTIST’S BLOCK?

I don’t  think I ever suffer from artist’s block as even if I’m not in the mood to paint I find that I paint better when my heart is not on it as the magic from my brush starts to lift my spirits and creativity

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED SCHEDULE?

I don’t really have a preferred schedule but having said that, I like to paint early in the morning when the sun is about to make an appearance.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO WORK?

Mm … that’s a hard one as my favourite place to work is outside, immersing myself in the scent and the beauty of nature

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN YOUR WORK?

Don’t want to sound big headed but, seeing the final cut and people being in awe

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST / ILLUSTRATOR AND WHY?

No other than Claude Monet! His work as an impressionist is outstanding. He is the reason why I became an artist. My favourite illustrator had to be the children’s author, naturalist scientist and conservationist Beatrix Potter 

Copyright Chris MacKenzie (c)

WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Being compared to Thomas Kinkade, except that my work is more real than a fantasy.

WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Not so long ago I met someone who had been a painter for 30 years. I happen to show him a piece I’ve been working on….when he saw it, he turned to me, tells me that I had ruined his life, saying that he had been mixing paint for 30 years and never achieved the colour that was  before him.

WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?

Nature influences me the most…. I travel a lot and I’m always lost for words at how majestic and beautiful the planet we live in is. Also, I have had my share of loss and pain and that makes me an empathetic and understanding artist.

OTHER THAN DRAWING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

I am an agency signed model and modelling is what I do other than drawing or painting

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ALL WORLD LEADERS IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY?

That they should pull together; work in harmony with one another to avoid conflict.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

A perfect day is doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

 To have enough pieces for an exhibition

HAVE YOU MET SOME GREAT PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY?

Indeed I have and he will remain nameless at this point in time.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOURSELF?

Social Media, Own website and word of mouth

WHAT HAS BEEN MOST THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PROMOTION?

I would say, the word of many mouths: All the satisfied people I work with and the love and passion I experience from my many friends.

Website:  http://www.jenna-lee.co.uk

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/jennaleeartist

Clancy's comment: Jenna is also a professional model and, hopefully, she will return at a later date to tell us what life is like as a model. 

Thank you, Jenna. I love your passion. Keep going.

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