Jean’s back ground was in nursing where she enjoyed OB, Labor, Delivery and the NICU.  After several years, she reluctantly gave up hospital work to accept a position in a doctor’s office for better hours and weekends off.  She never found that as fulfilling as her hospital duties.

Jean is a self taught artist which came about in an unusual way.  She suddenly lost multiple large areas of vision in 1986 for a period of about six weeks.  When she regained her sight, she saw things differently.  She appreciated color,  time worn items and architecture, striking photographs, beautiful gardens, and anything else visually stimulating. In all of her work, she challenges herself to study the subject in detail to create realistic pieces of fine art.

For a couple of glorious years, she and family lived on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. They were surrounded by beautiful hand knit sweaters and quilts, colorful seasons and memorable old buildings and quaint store fronts. The culture and antique shop windows inspired her to attempt watercolor.  Her favorite pastimes were eating lunch on Church Street, attending festivals and driving through the beautiful rolling hills during the fall.  The Quilt was her first watercolor painting.

Jean realizes she doesn’t always paint ‘pretty’ subjects, but rather paints to learn the characteristics of an object such as wood, glass, rusted metal etc. Depending on size, subject and complexity, a painting may take from one to three months to complete.  Her work has been seen and sold across the United States and at one time was sold in a Tucson gallery.  Gallery sales was not her thing as she could not keep up with demand and refused to lower the quality of her pieces.

Jean and family have lived and traveled extensively in the United States and her paintings reflect their travels. She hopes through her work, one can appreciate the beautiful everyday visuals often missed.

Growing up in South Dakota winters was the catalyst for her to retire in a warm state.  Arizona has been home since 1994.

Pictured with Jean is her best fur buddy, Apple, a true Australian Labradoodle who is a trained and certified service dog.  They are inseparable.

Visit or contact Jean Sumption on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM

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