March 29, 2024

The Artistic Pursuits of a Late Bloomer

July 16, 2015

After a 23-year career as a teacher downstate, in 2002 Jane Nemecek moved to Missaukee County to enjoy a quiet retirement on lakeside property she and her husband Don had bought in 1983.

It wasn’t until 2008 that she began painting, for a somewhat self-interested reason. "I wanted a painting for our bedroom," she recalled, "and couldn’t find one I liked, so I just painted one of sunflowers. I’m a late bloomer."

That single acrylic work enthusiastically led to another, then another, then another. Classes and workshops followed.

"I loved acrylics and oils, but the problem was the odor," she said. "I was painting in a spare bedroom and the odor was a bit much."

After awhile, Nemecek put aside acrylics and oils in favor of pastels and watercolors. She even developed her own watercolor technique that she calls her "squiggles approach," seen in many of her recent works. Utilizing her background with leaded glass, Nemecek adapted that technique to several of her eye-catching watercolor works.

Nemecek’s popular landscapes capture many of northern Michigan’s rivers, lakes, barns, lighthouses, trees, fields and farms. Her color palette of greens, reds and golds is subtle, yet striking.

"I strive to create a lasting glimpse into the beautiful area I call home," she explained. Nemecek creates her pastels and watercolors in a well-lit, airy studio in her Crooked Lake home. She tries to work every day, but maintains a busy schedule of events that sometimes infringes on her painting time. When not working at the easel, she is active supporting the arts community in Wexford and Missaukee counties, serving as president of the Cadillac Area Artists Association.

HOW I GOT STARTED

I’ve been starting my entire life. I grew up in Swartz Creek, just west of Flint, and was always doing something crafty. About six years ago, I decided to paint seriously. I started with acrylics since I had used them with various crafts projects. Someone suggested I try oils and I spent some time with them. It was later suggested I try watercolors and, after a brief stint with traditional methods, I invented my squiggle/stained glass approach. It involves layers of colors. It’s different and people seem to like it. Later, I had an opportunity to take a pastel class with Leelanau County artist Mary Fuscaldo in Traverse City and became hooked on pastels.

THE STORY BEHIND MY ART, MY INSPIRATION

The area around me here in northern Michigan is truly inspiring. If I can recreate, in one of my paintings, the feeling the viewer would get when experiencing nature’s beauty, I have achieved my goal.

WORK I’M MOST PROUD OF

I am most proud of each new painting I complete. I know that I’m extremely fortunate and I’m proud of the gift I have and the opportunity to share it at this time in my life.

YOU WON’T BELIEVE

That I’ve been married to my husband Don for 50 years. Also, you won’t believe how tired my eyes can get. I no longer just quickly see things. I now take time to truly analyze what I am looking at.

MY FAVORITE ARTIST

Last spring, I had an opportunity to spend a week in a wonderful workshop taught by Richard McKinley in Leland. I admire his work with pastels. Oh my gosh, to take a class with someone you admire so much was truly special. I really enjoyed it. And, [M.C.] Escher fascinates me because of his unusual approach.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING YOUNG ARTISTS

Keep a sketchbook and dare to see things differently. It’s important for young artists to have their own way of doing things.

MY WORK CAN BE SEEN/PURCHASED

At Munson Hospital, Cadillac; West Side Coffee; and Brinks Art and Framing, all in Cadillac; also, on my web site at janenemecek.com.

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