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Artist Bio

Jane Underhill obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in education with majors in music and piano from Minnesota State University. After several years as an educator and as a pioneer in developing televised courses for students, Jane adapted her skills to begin a career in business sales and marketing. Years later, seeking a break from her busy schedule, Jane returned to school to take courses in art, and watercolor in particular. Thus began a turning point in Jane's life in which she has become a prolific artist over the past several years.

In 2007 Jane moved from Minneapolis, Minnesota and became a permanent resident of Arizona. She quickly became an active member of the Arizona Watercolor Association taking on a board position and earning her juried status. She has participated in and won awards for her work in many AWA juried member and national exhibitions.

Before moving to Arizona Jane studied art in Minnesota and was a member of the prestigious Minnesota Watercolor Society and various other arts organizations. There she exhibited in numerous local, regional and national competitions as she developed and refined the aspects of her emerging style.

Soon she was undertaking commissions and presenting several one- and two-person studio shows. In 2006 Jane was selected as the "official artist” for the United States Golf Association's National Amateur Golf Championship which was held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minneapolis. Jane’s painting commemorated that event and was featured in prints and souvenir cards available to participants and patrons of the tournament. Soon after, Jane became a featured artist for the annual national greeting card competition of the Courage Center, a Minnesota-based non-profit rehabilitation and resource center for the disabled.

Encouraged by her art instructors to participate in various art competitions, Jane entered her work often and was accepted into many exhibitions, including a national magazine cover competition, in which she placed as a finalist.

Now Jane's works hang in both private and public collections around the country. She considers her art a work in progress. Being a life-long learner has equipped her to always strive to improve her skills and learn new techniques in the exciting art of water media. Jane reflects on her passion for watercolor in these words: “Painting has provided me with a wonderful vehicle to express my creativity and has given me a joy and fulfillment I had never imagined.”

Competitions, Exhibitions, Studio Shows

  • 2012 - AZ Watercolor Association Fall Juried Exhibition “Layla”
  • 2012 - Courage Cards Featured Artist – “Frosty Friend”
  • 2012 - AZ Watercolor Association Spring Juried Exhibition - Merchant Award for “Sunlit”
  • 2011 - AZ Watercolor Association Fall Juried Exhibition “Daddy’s Girl”
  • 2011 - AZ Watercolor Association Spring Juried Exhibition “Protégé”
  • 2010 - AWA National Watercolor Juried Exhibition “Waiting For Grammy”
  • 2009, 2010 - Glendale Arts Council Juried Fine Arts Competitions
  • 2009 - AZ Watercolor Association Fall Juried Exhibition –(two paintings) - “Sara;” Award of Merit for “Together Forever”
  • 2008 - AZ Watercolor Association Fall Juried Exhibitions
  • 2006 - Official Artist for USGA US Amateur Golf Championship
  • 2005 - MN Watercolor Society Fall Juried Exhibition
  • 2005 - Minnetonka Center for the Arts Juried Exhibitions
  • 2005 - One-person Studio Show – Mankato, MN
  • 2004, 2005 - “Watercolor Celebration” 2-Person Studio Shows, Minneapolis, MN
  • 2005 - North Light National Artists’ Magazine Cover Competition - Placed in “Beginner Category” with “Grandma’s House”
  • 2005 - Courage Cards Featured Artist – “Snowy Evening” & “Lake Effect”
  • 2005 - Lakeland Hospital Exhibition – Stillwater, MN
  • 2003 - Edina Art Center Juried Exhibition
  • 2003 - MN River School of Fine Art Student Show
  • 2002, 2003 - MN Watercolor Society Fall Juried Exhibitions
  • 2002, 2003 - Minnetonka Center for the Arts Juried Exhibitions

Private & Public Commissions

MN, FL, DC, NC, VA, AZ, WI, TX, HI

Memberships

National Watercolor Society
Associate member

Arizona Art Alliance
Juried Member

Arizona Watercolor Association
Signature Member, 1st VP: 2010-2013

Contemporary Watercolorists of AZ

MN Watercolor Society
Juried Member

Women’s Art Registry of MN

Education

Studied Art with Fred Dingle, Nita Engle, Dick Phillips

Minnesota River School of Fine Arts

Edina Center for the Arts

MacPhail School of the Arts

University of MN, Business Studies

National School of Suzuki Pedagogy

Minnesota State University –  BS Music, Education

Statement

Because I came to painting after many years in education, then business, I find my art gives me the creative outlet I had been missing for so long. To me the process of expression through watercolor provides a gratifying “start-to-finish” journey with each work I undertake. Vivid color and bold contrast have become an important aspect of my art because both tend to evoke emotion from me and, I hope, my audience. Every time I start to paint I know I am in for some happy surprises and something new to learn. This is why I paint!

 

 

AWAUnde2Layla
Layla

 

 

Breaking Free
Breaking Free

 

 

 City at Dawn
City at Dawn

 

 

 City Reflection
City Reflection

 

 

 Daddys Girl 2
Daddy's Girl

 

 

 Fiesta
Fiesta

 

 

 Glass Sky
Glass Sky

 

 

 Sara
Sara

 

 

 Pears
Pears