Jan Burns

EDUCATION: Jan Burns studied abstract expressionist art at the University of  California, where she received an AB Degree in Fine Arts. Her instructors included Bay  Area Figurative Artist, William Theophilus Brown. Upon moving to Virginia she took a  watercolor class which sparked her interest in what for her was a new medium. Since then she has studied with Skip Lawrence and has taken many workshops with many nationally  known artists including Frank Webb, Stephen Quiller, Donna Zagata, Charles Reid, and  Gerald Brommer. Jan also spent a year working under the direction of artist Brenda  Belfield. 

HER WORK: Jan Burns early, post college work was almost exclusively representational  watercolors. After taking workshops with Gerald Brommer, the artist began to work with  abstract collages as well. Under Brenda Belfield's guidance the artist was reintroduced to abstract art as well as the acrylic medium. Currently the artist has become very  experimental, working in a variety of water mediums and styles that are both  representational and abstract. 

ART RELATED ACTIVIES: In 1994 Jan Burns was juried into the Potomac Valley  Watercolorists, a professional watercolor society. The artist has also been active in many  local other art organizations including The Art League of Alexandria, the Vienna Arts  Society, the League of Reston Artists, and and the McLean Art Society. Her work has  been seen in many local juried shows at which they have won many awards. In addition to  painting the artist co-chairs the Vienna Arts Society Gallery in the Village Green Shopping  Center in Vienna. 

ARTIST STATEMENT: I love being a part of the creative process. I love the color - the  energy – the texture of paint and paper – the excitement of watching new forms unfolding  before me - the challenge of resolving new problems each painting presents - and the  knowledge that infinite numbers of visual experiences and new challenges will always await  me.

If you are interested in purchasing one of the pieces showcased here or viewing it in person, please contact Lu Cousins (lucousins@gmail.com) at the Vienna Art Center.