I think of the process of painting as an activity in meditative expression.  When it works, the lines, shapes, texture and light become the media that capture an emotional state of mind on canvas.  As forms and colors connect and become something that could be a figure or an object, they create a new pivot point for the story to unfold.  I’ve been using a process where I follow the cues that emerge in the art to dictate what comes next.  It sounds simple, but it’s far easier said than done.

Something I’m learning in life is that there’s such a thing as trying too hard.  Sometimes the more we want things to be a certain way, the bigger the obstructions we place in the path to that destination.  So I try harder in a different way.  I try harder to let go… of fear, judgment and doubt.  I remind myself that my art is a medium for telling a visual story.  The freer I can become, the further out of that controlled comfort zone I can venture, and the truer the art becomes as a reflection of the journey in my mind.

And sometimes I regress and wonder, is this a formula for producing the type of art I want to produce?  And then I remind myself, for me as an artist, the answer is not actually about removing the obstructions, but rather realizing that the destination is unknown and that’s the way it should be.      

www.Jongroart.com

Biography

I am a painter from Saguenay(Quebec) and I have been making art since I can’t remember. Following my secondary schooling in Visual Arts, and my college certificate in Arts and Letters (Cinema and Communication), I was admitted to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Concordia University in Montreal to study Film Animation. During my second year,

I was selected for an international exchange program in San Diego, California, where I rediscover the art of painting. At the end of the program, I was awarded a scholarship from the
Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema for my excellent work.

After finishing university, I gave myself the most beautiful gift; time to perfect my art with a master in his field, one of the most influential artists of his generation in Quebec, my grandfather, Claude Grenier, graduate of the École des Beaux Arts in Quebec. Since then, I have used my grandfather’s valuable insight to guide me on my own artistic journey.

Through figurative and abstract works, my paintings are a reflection of my travels, my surroundings, and the people who inspire me. The live model drawing classes I took during my studies in San Diego, California were illuminating and significant in my artistic approach. Still today, I am continuing to perfect the body, its curves and faces.

In each of my works, I aim to arouse the emotions and stimulate the imagination of each collector. At the same time, I strive to experiment with new techniques and push my creative boundaries to offer unique visual experiences.

Through the use of vibrant colors and rich textures, my work embodies well-being, confidence, and strength in all of its forms. In addition to mixed media canvases and watercolour illustrations, I have created a unique collection of environmentally friendly and high-quality products, which are all made in Quebec and inspired by my own pieces of work. You will find decorative cushions, t-shirts and hoodies that will excite any art lover. A wallpaper collection is also coming soon!

Https://www.Annlocreations.com

https://www.Instagram.com/Annlocreations

Artist's Statement

"Freedom to interpret the landscape as I see it and feel it is the goal. I am not afraid to change as I grow in this endeavor. I don't want to be locked in a way where I can no longer grow. All the dots have to be connected in the process, so that the end result is lively and honest."

Born in Argentina, Liliana grew up in an environment where art was encouraged and appreciated. Her father, a commercial illustrator, spent long hours working at his drawing table, while her brother, a well-known sculptor, was doing his life-size figure drawings, which Liliana always admired.

At 19, Liliana emigrated to the US and began her studies in drawing and painting at the University of Arizona. After graduating with a Fine Arts degree, she attended graduate school at California State University for 2 years.

In the early 1990's, Liliana was introduced to the California Art Club through a dear artist friend also from Argentina, Rodolfo Rivademar. It was then that she began painting in the "plein air" style with oils. A frequent meeting place for the group to paint was in Palos Verdes. It was there that a whole new enjoyment of painting outdoors opened for her. The combination of fresh air, cliffs, fabulous views, hills, and country homes had Liliana hooked on plein air. She feels a debt of gratitude to Steven Mirich, who allowed the group to paint at his beautiful home in Palos Verdes and provided a fertile ground that encouraged her growth as an artist.

Liliana's work reflects landscapes from California, where she resides, particularly the areas of Malibu, San Diego, Cambria, Bishop, Laguna Beach, Palos Verdes, and Palm Springs. Her paintings have a strong drawing base, a free, impressionistic brushstroke, and a very bold palette of warm colors.

The Early California artists that most impress Liliana are Hanson Puthuff, Franz Bischoff, and Maurice Braun. She has studied with prominent contemporary artists to develop an appreciation and use of color. Liliana is a member of the California Art Club and has participated in their Annual Gold Medal Exhibitions for the last several years. In 2022 and again in 2024, Liliana won Best In Show at the Huntington Library “Art Matters” exhibition.

http://lilianasimanton.com

 Everything inspires me to paint, particularly the details of my surroundings, up close details of Nature. Painting from my observations encourages exploration and new possibilities. It is a never ending experiment to create.

The process is exciting and fulfilling. It is fun to erase everything I have been exposed to in order to allow spontaneity and structure to create art.

“ I believe art has to take responsibility but it should not give up being art. But I believe above all that I wanted to build the palace of my memory, because my memory is my only homeland. But we should also not forget the difference between what first motivated me and the work that is the result.”

ANSELM KIEFER

https://www.Dominique-Art.com

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