Oil painting of a farmstead with barns a house

Up on Ellsworth
By Jill Stefani Wagner, PSA-MP IAPS/MC
Plein air oil painting on linen panel
11 x 14 in.
$900
Available through the artist

“Although I paint throughout the United States and Europe, I often find inspiration right in my own back yard. I painted Up on Ellsworth just two miles from my home, on one of the back roads still peppered with old farmsteads. This everyday type of scene makes my heart sing, but is often overlooked by passersby. It says so much about the history of the Midwest and the hard life of people who work the land.

“An avid plein air artist, I’m inspired by the American landscape and that of my beloved Italy. I find my greatest joy painting on location, taking in the atmosphere, temperature, sounds and smells, as well as the view. I participate in national plein air festivals, traveling throughout the country to capture the uniqueness of each venue. During the cold Michigan winters, I work in my studio creating larger pieces…but always, always chasing the light.

“Whether painting landscapes, interiors or figures, my primary focus is always the light and how it affects the subject I’m trying to capture. Working in oil and pastel, I approach my paintings as a sculptor would, carving out nuances of highlight and shadow.”

Jill Stefani Wagner’s artwork has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout the country and is included in many corporate and private collections. Her paintings have been juried into prestigious national and international oil and pastel exhibits, and have been honored with multiple awards.

One of Jill’s paintings graced the cover of PleinAir Magazine, and her work is often featured in their pages. Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine has frequently highlighted her paintings as has Pastel Journal and the best-selling French magazine, Practique des Arts. Wagner has been invited Pastel Faculty at PleinAir Magazine’s Plein Air Convention for four years and also enjoys teaching workshops and mentoring other artists.

Wagner is a Master Pastelist in the Pastel Society of America and Master Circle recipient in the International Association of Pastel Societies. She also belongs to American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, the Great Lakes Pastel Society and the Degas Pastel Society. Her work is represented by three fine art galleries in the Midwest.

Upcoming Events:
“Moments: The Plein Air Movement” — One of 3 featured artists, each exhibiting 30 recent plein air paintings. Artlink, Fort Wayne, IN July 29 – August 29.

Kekionga Plein Air Festival – Juror

Paint Grand Traverse Plein Air Festival – Artist

Brush Strokes Paint Out – Artist

You can view Jill”s work at her website www.jillwagnerart.com or on Facebook and Instagram. Or feel free to contact Jill by email.