Jan Gilkey Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin Original oil paintings

Artist Statement

Original Oil Paintings

Animals and Landscapes

2026 Show Schedule

July 11-12 Art Fair Off the Square, booth 113 between the Capitol & Monona Terrace, Madison– Just outside the door into Monona Terrace from the walkway

November 1-19  Black Hawk Artist Show, Hoard Historical Museum, Fort Atkinson, WI       

November 7-8 Winter Art Fair Off the Square, Monona Terrace  Convention Center, Madison

MIKE’S TREK

Paintings marked MT were inspired by photos my stepson Mike took on his epic ride on his KTM 690 Enduro R, Austrian made motorcycle. He rode across the united states, through Central America, flew to South America, rode down to Tierra Del Fuego, headed back as far as Chile. He posted images on hs Facebook page–as proof of life, I think. I used photos he sent to me from his phone. He didn’t go as a tourist; he went to ride.

PAINTING THEORY AND METHODS

I remain devoted to painting animals, as well as the beauty I find in my own life. I regulary visit the cows at the Rusch family dairy farm. I try to create paintings that put me in a place I love.

I focus on the artistic elements: line, shape, value, color,  texture and edges.  In Snow Flock, for example, I’m not so much painting  sheep as I am painting textures, hard and soft edges, and value contrasts.   I try to make the brushstrokes and the build-up of paint important aspects of my work.

I feel the work is successful if solid drawing, specific shapes, strong value arrangement, color harmony,  varied textures and sensitive edge work combine to create an intriguing composition.

All of my works are originals. I don’t do reproductions except in personal cards. I paint correctly–fat over lean–and use archival materials so that my works will be durable. I generally use linen or wooden supports and high quality paints made by Utrecht, Rembrandt, Gamblin and Winsor & Newton.