Meet Jessica Magee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Magee.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the art, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Central Florida. Having a Grandma who was a professional artist and sign painter, I became interested in the arts at an early age. My Grandma taught me the basics of drawing the human form, how to use oil paints and even how to clean a paintbrush. As an adolescent, I would spend hours filling up sketchbooks with portraits of people I found in magazines, and in high school, I took as many art electives as I could get my hands on. It was during this time in high school that I developed a love for abstract art and color.

I attended the University of Florida and received a Bachelor of Design in Interior Design in 2005, and shortly afterward I moved to Denver, Colorado with my husband. I worked as a commercial interior designer for almost 10 years before becoming an architectural rep for tile and stone. During my time as an interior designer, I painted in my free time and became interested in developing acrylic color studies using unique color combinations in flowing and organic forms. I had my first solo gallery show in 2013, and shortly thereafter received my first corporate commission with a local oil and gas firm.

In 2014, 2017 and 2018 I was accepted into the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, and 2015 – 2017 was accepted into the Cherry Arts Festival at the Stanley Marketplace through a blind jury process. Before the Stanley Arts Festival, I had many marketing opportunities present themselves. I was featured in a local newspaper publication and also was the subject of a television interview on a local Denver news station. Currently, I am working on a partnership with West Elm as a local artist in Denver and Boulder, a social media partnership with Liquitex paints and I continue to produce artwork for corporate and personal collections.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think any creative process is a smooth one, no matter how prepared you are. I knew I loved to paint but had no idea about the business and marketing side of being an artist. I, of course, made mistakes and learned a great deal during my first couple of shows and festivals, and I continue to learn every day! I think the biggest challenge I faced initially was trying to figure out how to price my work.

I needed to take into consideration the amount of time it takes to create, and the value that I’m bringing to potential collectors. It also took some time to develop my own “voice” and confidence within my work. I’ve made it into some shows and festivals, and I haven’t made it into others. I think every time someone tells me “no”, It makes me work that much harder to prepare for my next opportunity.

Tell us more about your art.
As an artist, I create colorful, abstract paintings using organic and flowing shapes. I am inspired by color, nature and random things that make me happy. I really love creating when I’m in a joyous state of mind because ultimately I’m passing a bit of that happiness on to the collector.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by being able to do what you love and get paid for it! By creating something that not only makes me happy during the process, but something people actually want to own as well!

Pricing:

• My paintings range from $60 (matted 5×7 original paintings) to $3600 (40×60 framed original paintings)
• I also do custom commissions in varying sizes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessicamageeartist.com
• Email: jmagee_artist@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @jessicamageeart

Image Credit:
Headshot by Liz Fendell Photography

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