Moved by Instinct

Inspired by the beauty of nature, Jean Haines' watercolors bloom with spontaneity

- Jean Haines

Like many artists, I find inspiration from nature where I observe color combinations and imagine how I would create texture from what I'm seeing in my art. I fell in love with watercolor many years ago, and I am still exploring and enjoying the adventure of finding new ways to create with it as a medium. I am intrigued at how versatile pigments can be, giving us completely different results each time we use them. I work with them as if they are my friends, and I do not aim to control them. Instead I prefer to be guided by what they do naturally, as I believe that this partnership brings out the best of both of us—the artist and her tools. I have always worked without a preliminary sketch, a technique I share in my following demonstration. There is a thrill in working this way that I find unbelievably exhilarating.

My studio is located in the garden of our country home in England, which is nestled by a canal surrounded by gorgeous countryside. As the seasons change my eyes are automatically drawn to different colors. I am always looking for something new and often find myself inspired by the history of art.

I do believe that the way I create at the moment is more like a scientist than a watercolor artist. I am always combining different ideas along with using conventional watercolor products, testing them for durability and staining. I find this work enhances my creations when I move back to painting with pure watercolor pigment.

It is the element of always being excited about learning, I believe, that keeps us healthy, acutely aware and enthusiastic about art. I am a gemini, which is the star sign well recognized for being creative. And I am always on the lookout for something new. I do find it impossible to sit still in my art journey, which is why I believe my art style has evolved over the years, and keeps evolving.