How Artist Jess Quinn’s Oil Paintings capture the intricate beauty of flowers

Jess Quinn, is an award-winning Iowa-based painter known for her vibrant, large-scale oil paintings that capture the intricate beauty of flowers and plants. In this interview, Jess shares how she transitioned from a public school art teacher to a full-time artist, fully accepting her love for nature and creativity. She also discusses her inspiration, creative process, and the challenges she faces along the way. In this candid conversation, Jess also opens up about her latest projects and her hope that her art inspires others to pause, reflect, and appreciate the everyday beauty around them.

Jess Quinn is an award-winning artist based in Des Moines, Iowa, known for her large-scale oil paintings that bring botanicals to life. After leaving her role as a public school art teacher in 2014, Quinn fully embraced her passion for painting, focusing on the intricate details and fluid movement of flowers and plants. Her vibrant, close-up views highlight the beauty within each petal. Rather than simply representing nature, Quinn’s work invites viewers to immerse themselves in it. The flow of the petals captivates the eye, transforming familiar subjects into something extraordinary and offering a new perspective on the natural world. She aims to foster a deeper connection between the viewer and their surroundings, encouraging them to appreciate the overlooked beauty in everyday life. Quinn’s work has been featured in numerous solo, juried, and group exhibitions throughout the Midwest, earning her recognition and accolades within the art community. As she continues to evolve her practice, she remains dedicated to exploring new techniques and subjects, constantly pushing the boundaries of botanical art. Her commitment to her craft and unique vision ensures that her work resonates deeply with anyone who experiences it.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’ve always been passionate about creating, but it wasn’t until 2014 that I fully committed to my art after leaving my role as a public school art teacher. In 2017, I had my first solo exhibit, my only goal as an artist. That experience taught me to dream bigger and push myself further. That same year, I also got my studio at Mainframe Studios, a unique building that houses over 200 creative artists. It’s an inspiring environment, allowing me to be surrounded by other creatives daily. In my studio, I can paint and teach private and group art lessons, combining my two passions—teaching and painting. It’s been an incredible journey to be able to do what I love and share it with others.

Layer by layer, I build my paintings, using oil paints to achieve the rich colors, fine details, and depth that define my work.

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2. What inspired you to become an artist?

I’ve always considered myself creative; creating has been a constant in my life, whether crafting, painting, or taking photos. The most challenging step I took was stepping away from my public school art teacher role, which was my first step toward becoming a professional artist. I dedicated a decade to teaching, pouring my heart and soul into my students and their growth. When I transitioned away from teaching, I needed time to reconnect with my identity as an artist. I realized I didn’t want to replicate the art I created in college because I had evolved. I embarked on a journey of experimentation, exploring different mediums and subjects to discover what resonated with me. This process of self-discovery was essential in finding my unique voice and direction as an artist. Ultimately, my passion for art has remained a guiding force, allowing me to express myself and connect with the world.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

My art inspiration comes from the blooms and botanicals I encounter daily. I find beauty all around me, whether it’s the flowers in grocery stores, succulents at the hardware store, or the vibrant planters outside local shops. My garden and those of my friends also play a significant role in fueling my creativity. I love taking walks around my neighbourhood, observing the flowers I see, and visiting garden centres and flower shops to marvel at various colours and intricate forms. I often joke that my husband has to remind me not to venture into other people’s yards to admire their flowers, but as long as I can see them from the sidewalk, they’re fair game! In these everyday moments, I find the inspiration to create, translating the ordinary into something extraordinary in my paintings.

4. How do you know when a piece of art is finished?

I find it reasonably easy to determine when one of my paintings is finished—it’s when I can look at it, and nothing stands out as annoying or lacking depth. Achieving this clarity often requires stepping away from the painting and looking at it with fresh eyes. Sometimes, I’ll hang the piece in my studio and ‘live with it’ for a bit. If I can walk past it without any part calling out, ‘Fix me,’ then I know it’s complete. Funny enough, I once left an unfinished painting hanging in my studio for three years, I knew it wasn’t complete but others couldn’t tell it wasn’t finished, I just got too excited to start a new painting and didn’t get back to it. I finally completed it a couple of months ago, and now I can pass by without it ‘yelling’ at me to finish it! I never sign a painting until it’s finished, so if you want to know if my painting is complete, just look for my signature!

I aim to create a sense of wonder and connection with the beauty in everyday life. My hope is that my art encourages others to slow down and find meaning in the small moments that make up our everyday lives.

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5. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

I hope people take away a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty that exists in everyday life. My goal is to invite viewers to pause and notice the intricate details of the natural world that often go overlooked. Through my art, I aim to create a moment of reflection, encouraging individuals to slow down and find joy in the simple things, like the vibrant colours and delicate movements of flowers and plants. Ultimately, I want my work to remind us of the extraordinary beauty surrounding us, fostering a deeper connection with nature and inspiring a sense of mindfulness. If my art can spark a moment of contemplation or a newfound appreciation for the ordinary, then I feel I’ve achieved my goal.

Jess Quinn’s art beautifully shows her love for nature and talent for noticing the little details. Through her thoughtful way of painting, she invites people to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments that often go unseen. Her work highlights the delicate features of plants and flowers while helping us connect more deeply with the natural world. To learn more about Jess Quinn, visit the links below.