Meet the Artist
There are many reasons, to why a person will pick up a brush and decide to paint. A child will paint more quickly than an adult. They have nothing to fear. An elderly lady will paint, for she has the time. People paint for enjoyment, people paint for a hobby. For some people, it’s an expression… for some, an obsession. For myself, it’s an adventure.
My objective:
My objectives are two-fold. It is my passion to create beautiful art, yes… but there is more. It is my goal to be a communicator above all things. I wish to portray a message in my work that people can relate to, that will touch their heart. I am still studying the various ways to do this. My current collection of work is the result of my study on the styles of Realism and Expressionism.
About me:
How did I start? I was born making a mess. When I was a child, anything and everything became my tools and medium. I have since refined my taste in art and am now currently pursuing a degree in Art and Design from Grand Rapids Community College.
Where did I learn? I have been drawing from childhood and painting since high school. I am mainly self-taught, taking a few classes here and there as I firmly believe one never stops learning.
Where am I going? My passion lies with art and the One who gave me the gift to create. I do not know where I will end up, only that I have to try and see how far I can go, God willing. I wish to make a difference for good, whether it is as small as changing the world or as great as touching a person’s heart.
Awards: 2003 Annual Congressional High School Art Competit
Jennifer Vanderploeg is an art graduate from Grand Rapids Community Collage. She was influenced by the horse world at an early age, growing up with a stable next door and is training to ride Dressage as an adult. She says: “There is something about horses that is purely inspiring and strikes a feeling of awe in many of us. Working with horses has taught me humbleness and a desire to cope and I hope that what people see in my work can give them an equally wondrous sense of these beautiful creatures.” She enjoys training at a stable as well as doing photography at shows and teaching art classes. She wishes to credit her talents to God, who is the ultimate artist!
Awards:
2003 Annual Congressional High School Art Competition
Best of Show Annual Allegan Art Competition
