Jackie Grear is Artist of the Month for July 2020 at Artworks Studio & Gallery. Jackie has been at the gallery as a resident artist for many years now and brings great energy and creativity to the gallery. We are proud to have her as our July Artist of the Month. Meet Jackie in person at the gallery on her "Meet the Artist" days.
Meet July's Artist of the Month
Thursday, July 23, all day 10:00-5:00
Tuesday, July 28, 1:30-5:00
My name is Jaqueline Grear, and I’m so honored to have been chosen as this month’s Artist of the Month. I’m a self-taught painter who first started painting in Southern Illinois in the 1970s. Although I now paint mostly beach landscapes and coastal wildlife, I began my career in art painting canvasses of rural Midwestern scenery. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty I see in nature around me, which is why many of my early paintings depicted the quaint family farms and the gently rolling country sides that I grew up around.
During my time painting in Southern Illinois, my artwork was purchased by several local institutions, including a museum, art gallery, and hospital. My artwork was also bought by then Illinois State Senator Jim Ria, as well as former Illinois U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Paul Simon. I was also recognized with a Best of Show award at an Illinois statewide art exhibition.
Shortly after achieving regional success with my artwork, I took a lengthy hiatus from painting. I founded a small construction business with my family and stayed busy running operations there for more than 25 years. In 2006, I retired and moved south to live on the Gulf Coast. The beauty I found here inspired me to pick up my paintbrush again, and I haven’t been able to put it down since.
I’m so thankful to be able to spend so much of my time now making art. It’s a wonderful way to stay busy, and it’s a hobby I love very much. I’m honored to be recognized as this month’s Artist of the Month, and I hope you will enjoy looking at my collection of paintings at Artworks Studio and Gallery located in the Villagio Town Centre, Perdido Key.