How Jane Henry Parsons Uses Oil Paints to Evoke Emotion and Connection

Jane Henry Parsons is a passionate oil painter whose work is deeply inspired by nature, color, and texture. In this interview, she shares how her early fascination with oil paints led her to pursue a career in visual arts after years of working in graphic design. Jane opens up about her creative process, her challenges as a shy artist, and her joy in connecting with others through her paintings. From memorable experiences in Italy to her path toward self-expression, we learn how she uses color, texture, and emotion to create artwork that speaks to the viewer on a deeper, more personal level.

Jane Henry Parsons is passionate about the dynamic quality of color in her oil paintings, creating depth through layering, textures, and unexpected composition. Her paintings create a sense of place through inspiration from nature. She works to instill comfort, joy, and wonder in connecting with everyday experiences. Most importantly, what is felt when viewing a painting drives her vision. She began her career in Design and received her degree in Visual Arts/Illustration from UMASS Dartmouth. Since 2000, she has transitioned into oil painting and has studied at DeCordova, Danforth Museum School, Medicine Wheel Studios, Mass Art, and Smithsonian continuing education. She has been on two painting retreats in San Gimignano, Italy, which have inspired her landscapes. From a very early age, oil paints intrigued her. The richness of color, the texture, the smell, and the patience needed to work with them. Recently, she began to incorporate the cold wax medium into the oils. This has allowed much exploration, opening up new possibilities with layering & texture. Jane primarily uses palette knives and tools in her work. Jane’s work is in private collections throughout the United States, has been exhibited in many local venues, and is currently represented at Gallery Twist in Lexington, MA. She is a member of many local Art Associations and enjoys donating her work to various charities. Her studio is in downtown Hudson, MA, in the historic Oddfellows building at 14 Main Street, suite 5.

1. How would you describe your art style, and what inspired you to become an artist?

I have always been an artist, and that’s all I have ever wanted to do. Oil painting interested me from an early age, but I was not allowed to go to college for that…it was considered impractical. I studied Graphic Design and worked for 20 years in that field. At 40, I decided to pursue my passion for painting. I draw upon my background in design in my paintings. My style is playful, colorful, I love pattern, texture, I like to play with space.

I have begun exploring the addition of cold wax to the oils, using new tools and am loving the textural nature of this. Much of my subject matter is inspired by nature. I often explore the physical and ethereal nature of our world within my paintings.

_{Jane Henry Parsons}

2. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

I was fortunate to attend two artist retreats in San Gimignano, Italy. This was so inspirational to me. I would paint plein air, taking in the colors and natural beauty, and loved the ability to focus solely on my art. “Around the Bend” is special to me because it was one of my favorite spots to paint there. When I came home to my studio, I painted a large (60” x 20”) reminder of this place.

3. Describe a memorable experience or project that significantly impacted your career.

My first and second solo show…My mentor encouraged me to do both shows; who knew I was ready even though I did not? Putting myself out there was challenging, but it was a fantastic experience. The first show was many years ago, I was so nervous, people loved my work and I sold so many paintings. It was very affirming that I made the right decision to pursue my passion. The second show was a portrait show, “Fifteen Women.” I was going through a tough time and found much support and inspiration from these positive women. I enjoy working to capture the personality and wrote a small book with simple words to describe their positive attributes. At the opening reception, they were all there, and the energy was so memorable.

4. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?

I am shy and avoid putting myself (my work) out there. This has always been a challenge, but the more I do It, the more I realize my work is appreciated, and people want to live with it, the easier it gets. I can, in my small way, help to bring some joy/happiness through my art. Creating connections is exciting to me.

The beauty of an object or place, the surreal nature of the unknown, shape, color relationships, stretching boundaries of composition and perspective are all important to me, but what is felt when viewing a painting is what drives my vision.

_{Jane Henry Parsons}

5. What advice would you give to the aspiring artists?

Be true to yourself, and continue to work on yourself to find your truth and vision. I work toward living in the emotion of the art. I try not to think too much. I respond to colors, textures, and shapes. I care about the quality of the paint and the surfaces. Everything is about creating connections, observing, and the play of what we think we know and all that we don’t. Never give up trying to present “you.”

Jane Henry Parsons’ work invites viewers into a world of color, texture, and emotion. Through her expressive oil paintings, she captures the beauty of nature while creating a personal connection with each piece. Her use of vibrant hues and layered textures speaks to her belief that art is something to be seen and felt. To learn more about Jane, visit the links below.