About
Jessica Willis.

In the quiet embrace of solitude within the natural world, my artistic journey unfolds. Whether fishing, hiking, or scuba diving, these moments become the notes in a symphony, guiding my brush to capture the energy and essence of the world around me.

Originally from Ohio, my path led me to Michigan in 2015 and then to a seven-year exploration of Northern California. Under the guidance of elder impressionistic artists, who became both mentors and family, I immersed myself in the rich tapestry of plein-air painting.

Now back in the Midwest, Michigan’s landscapes beckon me, and I eagerly anticipate translating the beauty of this new home state onto canvas. My art is a celebration of nature’s beauty, a vibrant tapestry that includes the teeming life of a creek, the expansive grandeur of mountains, and the breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan’s dunes.

While my primary medium is acrylics, I find joy in exploring the science of tactile paint mediums such as encaustic. Currently immersed in material studies, I combine paint and resin to create the effect of looking through a painting, inviting the viewer into a multi-dimensional experience. Each piece is a unique synthesis of mediums—encaustics, acrylics, resins, and watercolors—a dance between tradition and experimentation.

After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2013 with a major in Fine Art and a focus on Sculpture, my journey has led me to an expressive approach to plein air. Beyond the canvas, I share my passion through teaching painting classes and have extended my artistry into fashion with a clothing line inspired by my creations.

My art is an invitation to connect with nature’s rhythm, its cycles, patterns, and textures. Inspired by the landscapes of Western Michigan and memories from winter adventures in Belize and Mexico, I aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and convey the importance of preserving its beauty.

Each brushstroke is an exploration, each painting a living testament to the dynamic connection between artistic expression and the world that surrounds us.

Min Height: 960.1px