Jeanne May

Artist Statement

I gather inspiration for my work from faces I see around me either in person or online. A certain pose or facial expression can trigger an idea for a painting. I will often change the physical features of the face while preserving the emotion. I paint the human condition, exploring complex feelings such as anxiety, sorrow and diffidence. Through my paintings I hope to gain a better understanding of these emotions in myself and others and as a result I find my work to be empathetic and self healing. I also explore topics of human impact on the environment and women’s rights.

Biography

Jeanne May is a self taught figurative artist working primarily in oils and acrylics. She began painting with acrylics in the summer of 2023 and has painted almost every day since. Her first juried art show was Artfall 2023 in Wilmington NC where her painting “Chilled” earned a honorable mention award. Other local juried shows include Wilmington Arts Association’s Spring Art Show 2024, Wilmington NC (earning the Queen’s Award), Cary Gallery of Artists in Cary NC (earning a honorable mention award), and most recently the Yadkin Arts Council 2024 Juried Exhibition, Yadkinville NC. She has participated in national juried shows through the MVA Art Gallery in Bethlehem PA and Las Lagunas Art Gallery Faces and Figures 2024 in Las Lagunas CA. A highlight in her career was being accepted into the regional annual Artfields Show and Competition in Lake City SC in spring of 2024. Jeanne has also had the honor of showcasing five works digitally at the international art exhibit (Un)Fair Milano 2024 in Milan Italy presented by the Van Gogh Art Gallery in Madrid Spain.

Siren for the Sea_2024_oil and acrylic on canvas_30x40 inches
Portrait with Pink Stripe_2024_oil and acrylic on canvas_12x12 inches
Acquiesce_2024_oil and acrylic on canvas_16x20 inches
Little Pink Girl_2023_oil and acrylic on canvas_12x12 inches
Crouching Figure_2024_oil on canvas_18x24 inches
Heart on Fire_2024_oil on canvas_18x24 inches
Pouring Down On Me_2024_oil and acrylic on canvas_16x20 inches