"Painting for me is all about light and atmosphere, those are the true subjects of my paintings. I prefer to paint atmospheric moments in nature as well as the special light and energy of cities. I am drawn to the mood, mystery and poetry I sense when edges are softened, light is diffused, forms emerge and the air seems to move. I want to connect with the viewer on an emotional level through remembered moments."

Jean Schwartz was born and raised in northern New Jersey a short distance from NYC. She graduated from Upsala College in 1968 with a BA degree and a major in Fine Arts. After graduating she spent a year in Paris painting and studying art history and drawing. Returning home she moved to upstate NY where she continued to paint and exhibit large, abstract paintings before moving to VA. In the 1980’s she changed course and studied landscape design at George Washington University. She established her own landscape design business but closed it in 1998 to return to painting full time. Her experience doing concept drawings and “painting with plants” moved her away from abstract painting and towards the representational work she does today.

Jean’s paintings are in private and corporate collections here and in France. She is a juried member of NOAPS, The American Society of Marine Artists, The American Artists Professional League, The Washington Society of Landscape Painters and is a juried artist member of the historic Salmagundi Arts Club in NYC. She is represented by Calloway Fine Art and Consulting in Washington DC. Jean currently lives in McLean VA