Jan is a California native, remembering the beauty of southern orange and avocado groves, beaches and mountains before the crowds and freeways. She was fascinated with the challenge of capturing the look and feel of nature on her palette as early as six years of age. Eucalyptus trees were her first signature.

Her husband Norton’s education took her to the seasonal extremes and beauty of Minnesota and then, while rearing two children, to the 10-yr experience of dairy farming.

Her art medium of choice has not always been this glowing and ever unpredictable medium of watercolor, however. Her art journey introduced her to charcoal, pen & ink, oils, mosaic tiles and pastels. Her love of color also expressed itself for a number of years through the medium of textile weaving.

In late 2004, after retirement as a Project Manager in the electric utility industry and the selection by her and her husband of Las Cruces as their new home, she embraced her art in earnest. New Mexico land and sky; its history, the southwest flora and fauna; and figurative and floral works all provide inspiration. And through it all, she struggles to let go, give up just a “little” control and watch the water flow!

Jan is currently serving her second term as NMWS-Southern Chapter’s President. She can be reached at janaddy@q.com or by phone at 575 526-5374.