Art is such an important part of my life. The need to create is a strong force that is both stimulating and satisfying. I also enjoy the challenge of learning new skills and it is especially beneficial being able to pass on what I’ve learnt to students in the many art classes and workshops that I tutor.
Painting florals in watercolour is my particular passion. I strive to create uplifting paintings of truth and beauty, pieces that are a pleasure to live with and that inspire the viewer. Sunlight dancing on transparent petals, the nuances of colour in shadows and reflective lights; these are subjects that motivate me to record nature in some of its finest moments. Coloured pencils are another medium I have explored since the beginning of my art career, with recognition gained through articles written for leading art magazines.
Quickly produced work is not my style. Focusing on details of the natural world is a contemplative experience for me and I enjoy the process as much as the outcome.
Jan Lawnikanis has been teaching regular art classes for the past 30 years and tutored over 250 workshops in various locations around Australia. Students in all mediums have praised Jan for her teaching skills and this has gained her an excellent reputation with all ages. In her personal art career, Jan’s beautifully presented work in various mediums has won many first prizes and other awards. Her commissions range from school theatre sets to a set for the QLD Conservatory of Music, 40 artworks for an apartment building, 15 artworks for an office floor, paintings for a restaurant as well as school murals and private works for client’s homes.
Jan has been the featured artist in Australian Artist Magazine, with 5 full-length articles on using coloured pencils. Other publications include the Paradise Magazine-GC Bulletin, Art Newsflash, International Watercolour Institute catalogues, Fabriano in Aquarelle catalogues, Art Edit magazine, Gympie Living magazine, the Coloured Pencil Magazine, the Australian Coloured Pencil Network and Artwise textbook for the Australian school curriculum.
Jan has also recently authoured and published 2 books for colour pencil artists, containing colour wheels and swatch charts.