Chimera Gallery Winter Show, January-February 2026

My work will be exhibited and for sale on Lopez Island at Chimera Gallery this winter along with local artists Kristi Carpine-Tabor, Sarah Snowden, and John Taylor.

For gallery information visit chimeragallery.com

Strada Easel Challenge, January 2026

I took part in this month-long challenge to paint from life every day of the month of January last year and loved it. Painting from life is a special experience, and painting every day alongside hundreds of my artistic peers around the world is energizing and inspiring. Follow along on Instagram to see daily postings @jessica.velo.art

For more information on the challenge visit Strada Challenge 2026

A Deep Dive Into Learning Mode, Fall 2025

The fall season suits me well as a time to dedicate my artistic energies to learning and experimenting. I do some online classes and lots of painting studies. Copying the works of other artist’s takes the pressure off to create from scratch and allows me to focus entirely on technique, color matching, and the technical side of the craft. It is a nice rhythm to balance out the creative phase of the year which will begin in February.

I highly recommend Ken Goshen’s online lessons, found here. I have learned a great deal from his excellent teaching.

Lopez Island Studio Tour, Labor Day Weekend 2025

I’m excited to join the annual tour of open studios for my third time, sharing my space with artist Claire Waterman.

Lopez Island Farmers Market, August 2, 2025

I’ll be manning the Lopez Artist Guild booth, selling prints and cards, and talking up the coming Studio Tour.

June Art Walk Pop-Up, Lopez Island Library 5:00-7:00 Saturday, June 7, 2025

Previewing three new oil paintings and hanging out to talk about my process and inspiration.

San Juan County Arts Council Artist Grant Award Winner 2025

Thanks to the financial support of the SJCAC, I will be delving more deeply this year into plein air work with a super-light easel and pochade box from Strada.

Jackson’s Art Prize 2025 Extended Long-List Pick

It may not sound as impressive as making a “short list,” but this selection placed my entry, the oil painting “Before Fear,” in the top 25% of over thirteen thousand entries from 129 countries around the world. I’m happy with that after only painting seriously for a little over two years.

Strada Easel Challenge, January 2025

I spent the new year achieving a difficult goal, to paint or draw every day from life. I painted from three to six hours per day, and resorted to drawing in shorter sessions only when I came down with a cold at the end.

Lopez Island Library Featured Artist - December 2024

My graphite drawings of ordinary objects drawn from life using the Sight-Size method were on display for a month along with an engaging exhibit I created to bring the secrets of successful drawing out into the open.