Jan Gerske

Almost Full – December Moon (2025) – oil on cradled board; 6 x 6 in.
Andrew’s Sunrise (2023) – oil on board; 8 x 12 in.
Contemplation (2024) – oil on board; 12 x 8 in.
December Afternoon – Lakefront (2026) – oil on canvas; 30 x 40 in.
Greeting the Dawn (2020) – oil on canvas; 12 x 16 in.
Hello from Below (2023) – oil on cradled board; 4 x 4 in.
Jerome in Milwaukee (2021) – oil on canvas; 8 x 10 in.
Linda at Virgin Gorda Baths (2023) – oil on board; 12 x 8 in.
Imaginary Snowfall (2023) – oil on canvas; 12 x 16 in.
Not Quite Spring (2024) – oil on linen; 12 x 16 in.
Self-Portrait with Camera (2022) – oil on cradled board; 8 x 8 in.
Winter at Montrose (2018) – oil on canvas; 30 x 40 in.

Description

ABOUT THE ARTIST

After 25 years in another career, I turned to artmaking in 1999 for a more creative outlet. I started with drawing and moved through welded metal sculpture, figure drawing, figure sculpture in clay, painting, and printmaking, taking classes at the School of the Art Institute, Evanston Art Center, and Lill Street Studios.

I settled into painting with water-mixable oils on canvas and gessoed boards. I enjoyed plein air painting on the lakefront near my home, but due to physical limitations have not been able to do that for several years. I also completed several larger (30¢x40¢) canvases from my own landscape photos.

For the last many years I have mostly worked on smaller canvases and lauan boards or cradled boards. I seem to be best at copying from my own photos, mostly landscapes or portraits. I don’t feel that I have a message or anything special to say in my work – it’s a matter of painting something that resonates with me and gives me pleasure, and I hope does the same for others who see my work.