Jane Gottlieb, a California-based photographer and painter, whose artistic journey is a testament to a lifelong love affair with paint, shapes, and colors. From her beginnings as a painter to her evolution into a photographer and her unique approach to hand-painting Cibachrome prints, Gottlieb has carved a niche for herself in the art world, offering a visual universe of unparalleled wonders.
Jane Gottlieb’s artistic odyssey began at a young age, and she has been expressing her joy of art through various mediums ever since. Her story is a testament to the transformative nature of art, as she seamlessly transitioned from traditional painting to the realm of photography. What sets her apart is her innovative approach, which involved hand-painting on photographic prints long before the advent of Photoshop. This allowed her to craft a new magical reality characterized by vivid, saturated, and unrealistic colors that painted into each photographic print. It’s this unique blend of techniques that laid the foundation for her distinctive style.
For the past three decades, Jane Gottlieb has been on a creative journey, scanning her one-of-a-kind hand-painted prints and her extensive collection of 35mm Kodachrome color transparencies, capturing moments from her lifelong travels around the world. However, her art goes beyond mere photography. She takes her creations a step further by painting, combining, and enhancing them with the help of Photoshop, resulting in a colorful, beautiful, and idyllic world uniquely her own. This transformative process is a testament to her versatility as an artist and her ability to adapt to the ever-evolving world of technology.
What sets Jane Gottlieb apart is her status as a true colorist. While many artists dabble in color, Gottlieb’s work is a testament to her exceptional skill and mastery of the medium. Her art challenges not only the observer’s eyes but also their mind. It’s a product of her remarkable imagination and a disciplined eye that brings forth a visual universe filled with wonders beyond compare.
Her works are characterized by their classic beauty in theme and composition, yet they transcend tradition with their interpretation and the critical placement of exuberant color. It’s important to note that her art isn’t about superficial razzle-dazzle. Instead, Jane Gottlieb’s creations are a profound exploration of color’s understanding of natural form.
In essence, her art is a bridge between the realms of color and form, encouraging viewers to explore their own perceptions and interpretations of the world around them. If the role of art is to foster a better understanding of ourselves and the environment we inhabit, then Jane Gottlieb’s works are a resounding success in this endeavor.
Dr. Louis Zona, the Director of the Butler Institute of American Art, aptly captures the essence of Jane Gottlieb’s art when he describes her works as “classically beautiful” and “beyond tradition.” Her art offers a unique opportunity for individuals to explore the profound connection between color and form, igniting the imagination and inviting viewers to see the world through a new lens.
In a world where art is often interpreted through the prism of personal experiences and emotions, Jane Gottlieb’s creations have a universal appeal. They transcend cultural boundaries and speak to the innate human appreciation for color and beauty. Her work invites us to pause and reflect on the world around us, encouraging us to see the vibrant and extraordinary in the everyday.
Gottlieb’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of creativity, adaptability, and a deep passion for art. From her early days as a painter to her transition into the world of photography and her pioneering work in hand-painting photographic prints, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of visual art.
Moreover, her seamless integration of technology, particularly the use of Photoshop, showcases her ability to evolve with the times while retaining the essence of her unique artistic style. This adaptability allows her to continue creating works that are contemporary.
In conclusion, Jane Gottlieb’s artistic journey is a captivating narrative of a lifelong love affair with color and form. Her ability to channel the power of color into her creations, her capacity to transcend artistic traditions, and her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us make her a true luminary in the world of art. Jane Gottlieb’s art is a testament to the endless possibilities that color can offer, and it invites us to see the world through a more colorful and imaginative lens.
