She paints outdoors to experience the "dance" between nature and the artist.
Her adherence to plein air painting is a conscious artistic choice. It forces a rapid, intuitive response to the scene, eschewing the sterile perfection of a studio painting for the vibrant, living energy of the outdoors. The "loose brushstrokes" that characterize her work are the very signature of this process; they convey the sensation of the place rather than a photorealistic copy of it.
Steinhaus's paintings are characterized by their bold colors, intricate textures, and dynamic compositions. Her work often features fragmented figures, faces, and bodies, which she uses to explore themes of identity, emotion, and human connection. Steinhaus's art is deeply rooted in her own experiences and emotions, which she translates onto canvas through a process of intuitive and expressive mark-making.
"Look closer," Jill commanded.
Utilizing an "unlimited palette" that she often compares to a piano, her canvases are filled with intense, joyous colors.
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One of the defining features of Steinhaus's art is her use of vibrant, often clashing colors, which add to the sense of wonder and unease that pervades her work. Her compositions are meticulously crafted, with every element carefully considered to create a sense of balance and harmony. Steinhaus's technical skill is evident in every aspect of her art, from the intricate details of her creatures to the sweeping vistas of her imaginary landscapes.
Jill Steenhuis has achieved significant recognition in both the United States and France. Her work has been showcased in numerous solo exhibitions in major American cities, including: New York City San Francisco
Jill Steenhuis was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. After experiencing the tragic loss of her mother at just eight years old, she turned to creativity as a vital outlet to heal and process her emotions. She paints outdoors to experience the "dance" between
After earning her BFA in studio art from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, she acted on that inspiration. In 1980, she traveled to the South of France, enrolling in The Marchutz School of Fine Arts in Aix-en-Provence. What was meant to be a short trip became a lifelong home.
Steenhuis's work is recognized internationally. She has held solo exhibitions in major American cities, including New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and Atlanta, as well as in Paris and Melbourne.
Steenhuis is an international artist with work in permanent museum collections and prestigious private collections across America, France, and Australia. About Jill Steenhuis - Art in Provence The "loose brushstrokes" that characterize her work are
(often misspelled as Steinhaus ) is a renowned American-born impressionist painter who has spent over 40 years living and working in the landscapes of Aix-en-Provence, France . Known for her vibrant plein-air oil paintings, Steenhuis has become a prominent figure in the contemporary art world, bridging the gap between Southern American heritage and the French Impressionist tradition. Early Life and Education