Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Linn.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. I have lived in the North Dallas Area for 17 years. I was always an observant child and loved the culture and history of New Orleans. I used to draw characters from coloring books and had a natural gift of knowing color theory. My parents bought me “How to Draw” books and sent me to art classes when I was young, but it wasn’t until high school when I had my first real Art Teacher who taught me basic fundamentals of drawing and painting. He gave me confidence to enter competitions and win medals.
I started my college career at Collin College earning an Associate of Art degree; then I moved on to UNT CVAD in the Spring of 2021. I was fortunate to have classes with professors who gave great critiques so that I could apply what I had learned to the next pieces. This was my first time picking up soft pastels. If I had to give you one professor’s name who made the biggest difference during my time at UNT, it would be Christian Fagerlund. He put me on the fast track to learning more about figurative work, time management, palette organization, in-depth color theory, and anatomy drawing. He even invited me to a weekly open Zoom session with The New York Academy, that usually only includes alumni. I quickly fell in love with portraits… Ever since then, I still enjoy attending these sessions whenever possible for practice. I continue to grow as an artist with every portrait I complete.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. It wasn’t until I got to UNT that I learned how to take critiques as a way to learn and grow rather than as criticism. I now consider critiques to be the most valuable tool to push myself to apply them in order to become a better artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This past year I have worked in soft pastels the majority of the time with occasional oil paintings. As of right now, pastel portraits have been my favorite body of work. I enjoy choosing subjects that capture a moment in time and make me happy. While I am working on a piece, I choose to listen to music that the subject likes. It brings me closer to them and creates a special bond and memory of the piece. I’m most proud of my dedication and strong work ethic because it sets me apart from many other artists today.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m a recent Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art/ Concentration in Drawing and Painting with a Minor in Art History. I am currently working on commissions, but I am seeking a full-time position that will allow me to apply my artistic talent and work ethic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferlinnart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlinnart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-linn-864aba188/
