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Biography: A Little About Jeanne...

Jeanne Black McKinney was born in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Art. She also studied at the Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and with private teachers, in classes and workshops. 

Jeanne’s earliest artistic influence came from her Grandfather, the Baltimore artist, Edward S. Black. She grew up surrounded by his beautiful paintings and fondly remembers him making drawings for her and her brothers when they were very young. 

After raising her five children, Jeanne has returned to painting. Her work reflects her intense interest and appreciation in the natural world as she paints plein air landscapes and organic still lifes. Painting outdoors seems natural to her as she also enjoys hiking and flyfishing in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.

Jeanne’s professional affiliations include Juried Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America, Signature Member of the Maryland Pastel Society, Signature membership in the Central Pennsylvania Pastel Society, and memberships in the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania, the Artist Registry of the Bellefonte Museum for Centre County, the Pastel Society of New Hampshire, the Degas Pastel Society and the International Association of Pastel Societies. 

Jeanne has studied in painting workshops with Master Pastelist Albert Handell PSA, Richard McKinley PSA, Robert Carsten PSA, Maggie Price PSA, Elizabeth Apgar Smith PSA, Susan Ogilvie PSA, Master Pastelist Judith B. Carducci PSA, Terri Ford PSA, Kim Lordier PSA, Mike Beaman, Lisa Mitchell, and Marla Baggetta, PSA.

Jeanne exhibits her paintings in juried national and regional exhibitions. Her work can be found at The State College Framing Company and Gallery in State College, PA, the Gallery Shop in Lemont, PA, in private and corporate collections, and on her website:  www.jeannemckinney.com. 

 “I feel blessed to live in such a beautiful area, surrounded by mountains to explore, streams and rivers to fish, and an abundant source of inspiring landscape to paint. I hope to interpret in my work, for others, that which moves me when I view the land.”

Artist Statement

I work primarily outdoors, directly in nature, trying to capture the uniqueness and essence of a scene. A connection may be inspired by an attraction to a particular place, the interplay of light and shadow, the soothing sound of a riffle or waterfall, the feel of  a rocky climb, or the smell of a field of freshly baled hay. These natural elements trigger my desire to capture their spirit in a painted image to share with others. By working outdoors, I believe the painter not only paints the landscape, but becomes a real part of that landscape and is able to express a more authentic and honest interpretation.

I am especially concerned with the health of our regional waterways - streams and rivers - and am partnering with community groups whose work promotes conservation and improvements. By working together we can draw attention to the delicate balance that exists between man and nature and increase awareness and efforts to sustain and protect our natural resources.

My working process often begins by developing several notan studies followed by a gestural drawing in nupastel with a turpenoid wash. A variety of soft pastels are applied loosely over the underpainting working from the general to the specific. I enjoy using a limited palette of pastels to bring cohesiveness to a painting. I also believe that painting, like flyfishing, is a life long and delightful learning experience - an artistic journey of truth and discovery.


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