Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Harper.
Hi Jill, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a little girl I was always drawing or doodling something. I aspired to be an art teacher when I grew up. I continued pursuing art all throughout high school. In college I decided to get a degree in housing and design, minoring in art. After college I married my high school sweetheart and we had two sons. When our second son was born, right at 15 years ago, we decided it was better for our family if I stayed at home with the kids. That is when I picked back up the paint brush. I started out painting gift for friends . Quickly after, I started participating in some local street festivals and shows selling my artwork. That began a journey that God blessed me with that I couldn’t have ever dreamed for myself. I now have my artwork in several shops in and around Spring Hill, TN. Being a full-time artist keeps me very busy, but I don’t seem to get tired of it. I still look forward to getting back in my studio each week. Painting is a passion and I hope my customers feel the love that goes into to each piece. I am excited that I am soon going to be releasing a new stationary line. I am always trying to grow in different ways to give my customers new options. I am so grateful that God has provided me with the gift of art. I get to meet so many people and the shop owners that carry my work have always been so incredible. I live in an area where people appreciate local artists. I currently have my art in 4 local shops. AbbyLeigh Gifts (Franklin-Berry’s Farm), Sweet Maggie Rose (Inside of Southern Baking Company-Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant), and YePeddler (Coulmbia) I hope as I continue on this journey that I can continue growing and evolving into who God wants me to be. We are starting a new season of life, as our first-born son just started his freshman year of college and my youngest is a freshman in high school. All of those years ago when Art became a dream job for me I just was happy while it lasted. I never in a million years thought that 15 years later I would have so many customers supporting me in such a way. I am so thankful. I hope now that my boys are getting older, I can begin teaching some paint classes and participating in some more pop up events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say for the most part it has been smooth. When my boys were young, I painted in our bonus room with two Little ones playing around. It was so fun but could definitely get a little chaotic. I spilled paint on the carpet more than a few times. LOL. I look back and it was such a special time. Being a Mom and working from home can be hard but I could and still can put the paint brush down any time my kids need me. I started this job as a way I could be home with the kids and that has never changed. I had to set myself working hours in order to have a stopping point. When your studio is in your home there is always something I could be working on. Being a Mom has always come first for me, but I sure do love what I get to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When people ask what I paint, I always tell them, a little bit of everything. I paint churches, barns, florals, inspirtional pieces, seasonal pieces, animals and more. My artwork is acrylic and latex, but it has a texture to it. I either add products to my paint or underneath to create the texture. I mainly paint on canvases or built out wood frames that look like a gallery canvas. In recent years I have added hand painted ornaments. I also hope to have my brand-new stationary products available very soon. All of my work is hand painted except the soon to be stationary. My artwork starts at $35 with my smallest piece being a 4×4 and I have painted as large as 8′ x6′
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Trends are always changing. I try to adjust colors and subjects as styles change. I also enjoy adding new products to change things up.
Pricing:
- start at $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jillharperdesigns.com
- Instagram: Jill Harper Designs
- Facebook: Jill Harper Designs
