Jill V. Burke

About

Are not the mountains, waves, and skies, a part of me and of my soul, as I of them?
Is not the love of these deep in my heart
With a pure passion?

George Gordon, Lord Byron

I have spent a great part of my life in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State and my inspiration comes from the mountain wilderness and lakes that are so familiar to me. Living now in Vermont I love painting the green valleys and mountains that surround me here. My interest is in landscape painting, working en plein air over studio work and painting with pastels and oils. I am inspired by the works of many different artists and styles of painting from Nell Blaine, who continued to paint after suffering illness and disability, Paul Matthews for his Adirondack landscapes and contemporary artists Mark Boedges and pastel artist Susan Ogilvie. I strive for realistic rendering but also want my paintings to be expressive of my voice and vision.

After earning an undergraduate degree in psychology I studied at Montserrat College of Art briefly before life stepped in sending me in a different direction. Along the way, I earned a graduate degree in education and worked as a teacher in Massachusetts and in Vermont . I paint en plein air most weekends and exhibit my work locally and in New York State.