Jan Pettafor

Painter

“My goal is to capture the beauty and soul of the animals I paint whether it’s a beloved pet or wild animal.”

Growing up I loved to draw and paint but never got the chance to take any real art courses in school. I have always made the effort to have art in my life and have taken a varied assortment of classes since graduating from university. I did a bit of stained glass and really enjoyed pottery. Then about 25 years ago I began doing folk art and decorative painting and it gave me a solid foundation to go on from.

8 years ago I began exploring pastels and loved doing animals, creating the light in their eyes and the textures of their fur.

After 2 years of discovering pastels, I started “From the Heart-Pet Portraits” and began participating in local art and craft shows, taking commissions for pet portraits. My greatest pleasure is capturing a pet’s personality and a client’s tears are the highest form of compliment. I have even painted some pet memorials on stone as well.

I had always considered watercolour as one of the more challenging mediums to work in but took some classes and was hooked. I again turned to wildlife as my subject of choice. I am really enjoying discovering the beauty of this medium.

I am a retired teacher which gives me lots of time now to pursue my other passion which is playing drums in different bands including rock, swing and concert bands.

Shows and Awards

2017 Pineridge Juried Art Show… winner of Wildlife Award for “Patience” (Tiger in pastels)
2018 Oshawa Art Association 50th Annual Juried Art Show… Winner of Wildlife Award for “Waiting” ( Wolfdog in pastels)
2019 Oshawa Art Association Annual Juried Art Show…. participant “Red Panda” ( Red panda in pastels)
2019 Pineridge Juried Art Show … participant “Red Panda” (Red panda in pastels)
2020 Scugog Arts Council Juried Show….. “Puffin Lunch Break” (Puffin watercolour )