Early in her artistic career, Janet Downingstar started out as a portrait artist and gradually moved from human subjects to more-than human lifeforms, like birds and trees. Janet uses detailed techniques that put great care into her portraits in attempt to get to know the subjects better and to showcase their unique qualities. Alongside portraits, she also creates painted designs on functional and wearable pieces that celebrate nature such as room dividers, leather bags, and more. These designs are often inspired by Anishinaabe design styles – specifically Ojibwe of the Great Lakes region, who she is a descendent of. Janet uses acrylics, oil paints, fabric, metallic paints, and pigment powders in a variety of mediums on everything she creates. She enjoys painting scenes both in her studio and in plein-air that tell stories, combining both realism and design styles to showcase the unique interconnection to all things that which she is related. You can find a selection of Janet's artwork currently on display inside the Guild Gallery & Art Center in Kerby, Oregon.
Janet Downingstar
