Jane Skafte

I am fascinated by visual rhythms created by natural forms and their shadows, and make carefully defined compositions while offering a closeup look into inner spaces. I work in watercolor, pencil and colored pencil and mixed media.
 

As a former professional designer I remain interested in the formal principles of design as a way of expressing ideas, and explore the relationship between realism and abstraction. Nature is always a source of inspiration for me. I create art as a poetic rather than a literal depiction of my subject matter, whether exploring the natural landscape or illustrating global climate issues.
 

My BFA is from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago in textile design, and my MFA is from Syracuse University in studio art. I have had solo exhibitions throughout Virginia, and group exhibitions along the east coast, New York and elsewhere. I retired from teaching in colleges and universities in Virginia, and now teach drawing and painting privately.

I live on a farm in Fluvanna County, VA and am a renting member of McGuffey Art Center in downtown Charlottesville.