Jessie Meehan 

I’m Jessie Meehan, a self-taught artist from Chicago, now living in rural Virginia just outside of Charlottesville. I work primarily in acrylics, but love experimenting with oil, oil stick, marker and pen. My art is inspired by nature and the subconscious. I’m always chasing the energy, light and mood of whatever stirs something in me, fueled by curiosity. I’ve learned primarily through trial, error, and play, which has led me to diverse range of subjects and compositions. 

I work from life or photographs, but most often dive into a stream-of-consciousness approach. My creative process usually begins intuitively, choosing colors that draw me in and while using a motion that feels natural until images emerge. I then push them to the surface, discovering meaning in the flow of thoughts while giving form to ideas and emotions that may be too elusive for words. Painting feels like a mental release for me. Though each piece is deeply personal, I aim to create work that resonates with others who also seek meaning in the world around them. Recently, I’ve been challenging myself with works based on life and photos, honing my skills and exploring new ways of capturing light and energy.

In 2023, I took the exciting step of pursuing an associate degree in art at a local community college, which already has deepened my connection to art and the creative process. This has invigorated me, blending academic insights with my personal evolution as an artist and thinker. I see ideas for paintings everywhere, all the time, and I’m grateful to have more tools and ideas to bring those inspirations to life.