Jennifer Roberts is a watercolor artist based in Central New York. She has been creating since her earliest days. Some of her first “work” included tearing loose pieces of wallpaper from her family’s apartment walls and ripping them into animal shapes, and drawing on the inside covers of books, on walls, on paper bags, or on any other beautiful blank canvas she could find. She received her first “real” art supplies (acrylic paints, canvases, and an easel) from her grandmother at age five. She found inspiration in PBS programs including “The Magic of Oil Painting” and “Cover to Cover.” Her first favorite color was black.
Jennifer studied and was known for her art throughout her school years, going on to achieve a degree in architecture from the University at Buffalo. She then worked as a CAD Drafter and 3D Renderer before eventually landing in the advertising industry as a Graphic Designer.
Jennifer ventured into watercolor in the fall of 2021, when her local public library offered a free five-week watercolor workshop taught by Carol Cotten. Even more valuable than the art instruction was Carol’s wisdom and example as a human being; she taught being gentle with oneself, not being afraid to make mistakes, and not waiting for a reason to make art.
Through her art, Jennifer aims to capture memories, experiences, and meaning, spreading warmth, joy and connection with others.
The reason we have gifts is so that we can be gifts for others.
Pope Francis
Q & A with the Artist
What is it about watercolor?
Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Some days, watercolor is that thing! Unlike other mediums, watercolor can’t always be corrected, and sometimes it has a mind of its own. Often it takes great courage to forge ahead, while thinking any given brush stroke might “ruin it.” It’s so satisfying to complete a painting I’m proud of, and I enjoy the challenge. I also love that I can work at my little desk tucked into a corner of my dining room because watercolor is not messy and doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Do you take commissions?
No. For now, watercolor is something I do primarily for me. It’s my “happy place.” I paint what inspires me at any given moment, and feeling some sort of emotional investment in my work is what makes it work. Besides, I’m still learning.
Do you sell your originals?
So far I haven’t, but maybe I will in the future if/when my completed work starts to pile up. Most of my paintings so far have been intended as and given as gifts.