Jamie’s Artistic Comeback

Edition two of Artist Spotlight has arrived. I’m excited to feature Jamie. She is an artist whose passion and creativity light up her work. I recently chatted with Jamie about her art journey, her inspiring return to painting, and her big dreams. Let’s get to know her!

From Art Nerd to Artist
Kaylee: Jamie, you’ve been creating art for years. How did it start?
Jamie: I was an art nerd in school. In junior high, I drew a scene from Indian in the Cupboard for a book report and got an A. That sparked my love for art. I’d draw on my hands—my mom always asked, “No paper?” I graduated high school with art honors, hoping to teach special needs kids.

Motherhood and Rediscovery
Kaylee: Life took some turns. What brought you back to art?
Jamie: After high school, I had my son at 20 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 21. I focused on raising my kids, now 19 and 21. Last October, my husband gave me a Bob Ross oil painting kit, and I fell in love with oils, rediscovering my creative side.
Kaylee: That’s so powerful! Feels like reconnecting with yourself, right?
Jamie: Absolutely, like coming home.

Oils, Black Canvases, and Rule-Breaking
Kaylee: Why oil painting, and what’s your favorite creation?
Jamie: Oils intimidated me—they’re less forgiving than acrylics—but now they’re my favorite. Black canvases make colors pop, like my polar bear with northern lights. The wet-on-wet technique feels like breaking rules, which is fun for artists like us!

Dreams and Community
Kaylee: What’s next for you, and how’s the art scene?
Jamie: I sell at local markets in my farming community and dream of becoming a Bob Ross-certified instructor to work with special needs students, helping them express their creativity through painting or even sculpting. I’m super artsy-fartsy!

Jamie’s story is inspiring, and her vibrant work, like her black canvas pieces, is a must-see. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads https://www.facebook.com/JamieGenert1234!

Let’s support each other as artists. Jamie, I’m cheering for your upcoming markets and can’t wait to see your next steps! Thank you Jamie!

Connect with Jamie on social media or at local markets.

Know an artist for our next spotlight? Drop me a line!
artist-spotlight@kayleerakowski.com