Janet Bailey’s dream as a teenager was to work for Hallmark Cards in their Design department, located in Kansas City, Missouri. After studying art and specializing in watercolors during her studies at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, she was hired by Hallmark and spent the next eight years creating scenes that were included in their cards. 

“It was everything I had hoped for and more!” Janet said, the light in her eyes showing the true joy she experienced at this time in her life. “I learned so much about design, color, and drawing which had to be reviewed before completion. Artists came from all over the world to work there. At that time, I had also attended the Kansas City Art Institute. Later, after a move, I freelanced for a while but decided to paint in my style in very large plein-air watercolors which were sold in various galleries in Kansas and Missouri. Much later, as a single woman and my children had grown, I decided to return to university life to learn more. I attended the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas for 4 years to receive my BFA, with honors, in painting, and minors in Lithography and Illustration.”

She competed in a number of art shows, including an abstract work competition, the National Abstract Show, and some at the Wichita Art Museum. Janet’s work has continued to evolve, and she has shared her work in exhibitions since moving to Ardsley Park over five years ago. 

“Currently, I am working on a new painting project that includes my love of writing and composing haiku poems,” she noted. “While in an art retreat in Alaska, I learned how to compose haiku, which for me is a moment in time of feeling and thinking. I am excited to share them with you!” 

Janet typically works mainly with acrylics, graphite, and oil pastels; mediums that can encourage layers, these days. She has also created works that include some collages using various mark-making tools. She finds deep inspiration when looking at a particular sky or nightscape and landscape, flowers, or even a  simple natural scene. 

Continuing to live, learn and evolve as an artist has been one of Janet’s deepest joys. To find more of her work, follow Janet R Bailey Contemporary Art on Facebook and instagram.