February Artist of the Month – Janice Savery
Janice Savery began painting seriously only 12 years ago, but she has always had a love for art and photography. She took some art courses in school, but as a young adult focused primarily on her career as a speech and language pathologist and raising her family.
As her three children grew, she began taking watercolor classes at the Danforth Museum and later became interested in oil painting which has become her passion. She studied with Rosetta Nasisi and Ruth Scotch. She now takes a small studio class with Rose Marie Morelli in Walpole. She still works part-time and paints at least twice weekly, though Savery looks forward to spending more time at her easel when she retires.
She began painting light filled landscapes, many of which are inspired by Nantucket scenes where she spends summers with her family. Not surprisingly, she enjoys plein air painting whenever possible. Learning new techniques, focusing on the effects of light and atmosphere on her subjects and progressing in her skill are important to Savery. After painting her beloved retriever, Casey, she decided it was time to try portrait painting and has been pleased with this challenge. She loves the ability to preserve special moments in time while painting her children and grandchildren, especially in relation to nature.
In addition to the WSA and the Needham Art Association, Janice is a member of the Art Association of Nantucket, where she participates in workshops, community shows and the Small Works Exhibit. Boston School Representational Painter Amy Chuckrow is one of her favorite mentors. Savery has also exhibited locally in Needham and Wellesley shows, as well as at the Zullo Gallery, Fountain Street Gallery and Grace Chapel Gallery. She has received Honorable Mention for her work from the Needham Art Association. Savery says, “Painting allows me to express the emotions evoked when experiencing nature and the joy I feel while painting and observing the natural environment.”
