From a tiny studio in her backyard—a space she describes as her sanctuary—Jennifer Peart creates visionary landscape paintings that capture the beauty and tranquility of nature while reimagining reality and the future. She takes inspiration from the region’s mountains and waterways, her community, and the larger planet—and shares a simple truth about success as an artist: You’ve got to put yourself out there.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an artist?
My family knew I wanted to be an artist from a young age, and they did not pressure me to choose more practical career paths. I took art classes at Folsom Lake College and American River College, where I built a foundation in creative techniques and art history. I eventually completed my art degree at Mills College in Oakland, a time that shaped much of my approach to painting. After completing multiple college degrees, I transitioned into education and spent more than a decade teaching, which was both fulfilling and transformative. A few years ago, I took a leap of faith, left the classroom, and committed myself fully to my art. I also became a self-taught businesswoman, learning how to share and sustain my work in the world. This journey has been about building not just art, but a life around creativity and community.
What inspires your work?
Nature is the soul of my work and my greatest inspiration. Growing up surrounded by the forests and rivers of the Sierra Nevada foothills, I developed a deep reverence for the natural world that continues to inspire me every day. Beyond nature, I also draw inspiration from visionary science fiction, architecture, and design. These elements allow me to explore themes that are both grounded and otherworldly, offering glimpses of alternative futures and reimagined realities.
I see my work as a dialogue with the rich history of landscape painting while simultaneously pushing it forward. Each piece is a chance to envision new ways for humanity to connect with the planet, blending the natural with the imagined.
How has the local environment influenced your art?
I grew up in Pleasant Valley, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. My family spent most of our free time fishing, hiking, and camping. Lake Tahoe and Yosemite were practically in our backyard. Now, as a Sacramento-based artist, I feel deeply connected to this region—its forests, rivers, and unique sense of place. Whether it’s the American River Parkway, a state park, the rolling foothills, or the nearby mountains, my access to nature continues to inspire me to honor these landscapes in my paintings.
What materials and techniques do you prefer to use and why?
Sustainability is a guiding principle in my practice, so I build my own wood panels and frames using sustainably harvested maple. I work with a variety of paints—oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, and ink. I also experiment with natural pigments that I make from plants in my garden and collect during my travels. I enjoy blending traditional techniques with experimental processes.
Is there a particular piece of art you’ve created that holds special meaning for you?
Glacier Point Gateway. Everything just clicked: the colors, the composition, and the flow of the paint. It reflects my love for Yosemite Valley, one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Parts remind me of the Japanese historical paintings I’ve been studying, and it captures the spirit of tradition and innovation. When I look at Glacier Point Gateway, I see a culmination of my influences, my technique, and my vision.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue art as a career?
Embrace your creative side and your business side. There are endless resources to help you with technical skills, but don’t overlook business skills. Read books about creative entrepreneurship, learn how to market yourself, and use technology to connect with your audience—your collectors and fellow artists. Gone are the days of the artist as a recluse, locked away in their studio. If you want to succeed, you need to network and share your work. Submit work to local shows, attend events like First Friday and Second Saturday, and regularly post your work on social media. Treat your art career like a small business—because that’s exactly what it is. The balance of creativity and strategy is where the magic happens.
What upcoming projects or goals are you excited about, and how can the community support you?
In 2025, I’ve been invited to participate in the Superfine Art Fair in San Francisco (March 6–9) and the Reno Tahoe International Art Fair (Sept. 11–14). I’m also in the process of securing a larger studio space and investing in a van to make transporting my artwork easier. On the creative side, I’m designing new products featuring my artwork. The best way to support me is to attend these events, share my work with others, and follow along on my journey. Every word of encouragement, purchase, or shared post helps fuel this dream and allows me to keep creating.
jenniferpeart.com
IG @jennifer.peart.art
Some of Jennifer's paintings will be on display at EDH Town Center's Atrium Art Gallery (Building 102) until Feb. 9.