Jeanne Illenye Visual Language Magazine Vol 4 No 2 Feb 2015

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Visual Language

February 2015 Volume 4 No. 2

contemporary fine art

Jeanne Illenye

http://jeanneillenye.com/

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“Looking After Them” Jeanne Illenye

http://jeanneillenye.com/

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Jeanne Illenye Looking After Them

“Artist Jeanne Illenye’s deep passion for animals is evident in her sensitive oil portraits which eloquently capture the expression of each individual pet. It has often been said that Jeanne has an innate ability to capture the essence of their very souls in her delicate portraits.”

Spiritual Connection For anyone who takes the time to gaze into the eyes of an animal, particularly our pets, there is always a moment of deep recognition...a flash of communication that captures our hearts...that touches us in a unique way, which is why I can understand how it has been said that animals are the eyes of God. What began as an afterthought, since I’d established a reputation solely as a still life artist, painting custom pet portraits has become a truly gratifying experience for both my clients and myself. Actually a culmination of circumstances, it became evident that a stirring desire to do more for animals in need, along with a curiosity as to whether or not I could even paint pets with a sufficient degree of accuracy, is what inspired me to introduce this new genre of pet portraiture to my portfolio.

Selling Online I was already a Power Seller on ebay for several years and the recipient of seven Artist Choice Awards for my still lifes. However, I recall becoming enthralled with such artistic diversity including a new exposure to portraits of wildlife and pets, that I pondered whether I could actually paint them, too. So I created two small portraits, a white wolf entitled “Golden Eyes” and a fawn entitled “In Hiding”. Shortly thereafter, I humbly submitted both portraits as application to a small group of online artists who raised funds for animal charities and rescues, where I was graciously accepted.

Looking After Them Although having always donated to animal rights organizations, I still wanted to raise awareness in my own small way, and membership in this group along with creating a new blog would perhaps provide a venue which would in essence help give animals a voice. At the time, I was also in mourning for the recent loss of our cat who came into our lives most unusually. Found 12 years prior as a kitten thrown into a city street gutter and left unconscious, my mother-in-law had picked her up, felt no signs of life so put her in a box and began digging a grave to bury her; alas she awoke and leapt out of the box! My husband brought her to me where she immediately climbed on my neck and slept there every single night for nearly 12 years. Her buoyant personality brought us such joy that I wanted to share her story of survival and determination through seizures and ultimately, illness. I dedicated my blog to her for the purpose of raising funds via my pet portraits to be donated in part to those less fortunate than our beloved and pampered pets.

Right Page: Daisy 14 x 11

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Homecoming

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Jeanne Illenye Looking After Them

Pet Portraits Painted with Love When embarking upon a custom portrait, I always encourage clients to share a bit about their pets’ personalities as this not only prompts an occasional laugh at their adorable antics, but also remains on the forefront of my mind while painting, which I firmly believe contributes to the creation of a more sensitive and accurate portrait. For commissioned portraits I always work from clients’ photos and encourage them to email as many images as desired so that I can view additional angles and more fully comprehend bone structure, posture and facial expressions and most particularly their deep, soulfully expressive eyes. If a client’s favorite photo is missing an ear, paw or tail I can refer to the other photos as well, or if they would like an entirely different background setting such as a garden, pile of plush pillows, oriental rug, or classical background I am always delighted to oblige.

Paintings in Memoriam This is truly near and dear to my heart as I know how important our furred and feathered friends are to us. They are family members who share our daily lives, which is why I feel especially honored when selected to paint a portrait in memoriam. Often I will receive an email from a client who had previously purchased still lifes, asking me to urgently paint their pet’s portrait as they’d just passed the night before or even earlier that day. While it’s always a tender time for people, I do my best to comfort them by obliging their requests as quickly as possible. In fact, I always say a little prayer before beginning each portrait asking for guidance to create not only an accurate depiction of each pet, but also to infuse the painting with an energy that expresses the magnitude of their love…and in turn, the love doted upon them.

Tears of Joy The most fulfilling compliment a client can convey is that their portraits were received with tears of joy!

So often my portraits are commissioned as gifts to someone else, especially as poignant memories for one who is seeking comfort after losing a pet. When I receive comments such as, “I am mesmerized by the pet paintings you have done. How did you ever figure out how to paint their souls?” I must admit that I, too, have tears of joy. That is the ultimate gift for me to receive, and the ultimate gift for me to give is filling the void in someone’s heart with warm and precious memories every time they view their pet portraits…hence my slogan “Pet Portraits Painted with Love”.

Future Endeavors Custom notecards of every portrait are offered to my clients at the conclusion of their paintings. Also, I offer charming Christmas cards featuring my painting of a darling little Westie in a Santa Hat entitled “Patience” which is still selling five years later. Having been met with such consistent popularity, I am inspired to create several new Christmas and holiday cards as well as a new line of gift items which will be offered later this year. If you would like to commission your pet portraits kindly email me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net http://jeanneillenyelookingafterthem.blogspot.com Right Page: OSA 10 x 8

http://jeanneillenye.com/

http://jeanneillenye.com/

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Jeanne Illenye Looking After Them

Honeymooners 12 x 12

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Gus Ragdoll Cat 8 x 10

William and Henry

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Jeanne Illenye Looking After Them

Monet 10 x 8

Harry Beagle 18 x 14

http://jeanneillenye.com/ Prismatica

Lizzie 20 x 16

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