We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeannette Stutzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeannette, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I believe the best path in life is to work daily towards learning and growing. To evolve as a person and as an artist. To see the world’s obstacles as opportunities. The single most important decision I’ve made that has contributed to my success is to pursue my passions and do what I love. Life is rewarding and full of gifts!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had a 38+ year career in graphic design, creating to solve the problems and fit the needs of small businesses. This has been invaluable for business, creativity and in problem solving and I believe it has added greatly to my strengths as a fine artist. Some technical skills include color theory, composition, grid systems, computer software proficiency and print reproduction.

I began painting in oils and pastels about 20 years ago and this is an opportunity for me to express myself, to “play”, to experiment and to follow my own passions as a quest for myself. My style continually evolves in the pursuit of being the best artist that I can be. Much is learned in the process of allowing, or giving myself permission, to let go of, to reach, and probably most of all, to paint with confidence! Currently my focus is on strong composition, capturing the effects of light and always to convey the moment, energy or mood with the least amount of information.

I’m also a jeweler~ this began as a way to create what I wanted as jewelry and also so I could create gifts for family and friends. It’s totally addicting! Who knew tools and metals could be so much fun!

Creating fulfills my soul!

I love and appreciate everyone who loves my art and I’m honored that they want to bring my pieces into their homes and businesses to enjoy every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d go for a drive to Guanella Pass, eat at home mostly (I love to cook), probably have lunch and a cocktail at Willow Creek on Evergreen Lake and coffee at Java Groove. We’d visit local farmer’s markets and art shows and several galleries in Denver, Evergreen and Idaho Springs. Some towns that are fun to poke around in are Loveland, Morrison, Breckenridge and Castle Rock…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank my parents for their love, support, belief in me and for raising me to believe in myself. They taught me that I could be anything I wanted in life and that I could do anything I was willing to work hard to do.

Website: JeannetteStutzman.com and JSArtJewelry.com

Instagram: @jeannettestutzmanart and @jeannettestutzmanartjewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.stutzman1, https://www.facebook.com/jsartjewelry, https://www.facebook.com/Jeannette-Stutzman-1257623071036546

Other: I also love teaching painting~ anyone interested in a private or group class can find information on my website or they can contact me by phone or email to make arrangements.

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