” In 1971 – 1972 i studied at Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. I was an Illustration Major. One painting : ‘Sewing Machine Still Life’ (Enamel on Canvas), which was used in a traveling lecture series by Paul Dennis. The painting was unfortunately destroyed in moving.
In 1971 – 1978 i studied with Paul Granstead (painting restorer for Vixseboxse Art Galleries in Cleveland, OH). Paul taught me so much about life and painting that i will always be endebted to him for his patience, humility and encouragement.
I try and use my art (whether my paintings, photographs or my music) to reach a part of a persons soul that the spoken word cannot. To be able to communicate my faith, my passions, even my demons in the night through my art is truly a blessing. I am honored and yet challenged to make that message as clear and real for the viewer (or listener) as i humanly can. I get frustrated at my talents, but the saving grace is in knowing there is a higher vision here, and i am just a tool. I hope that through my art you may see something that touches your heart and stirs your mind to something greater than you or me.
For a little over a year i have been painting with the Windsor Newton Artisan Oil paints, which are a water based oil paint. I absolutely love working with oils. I pray my craftmanship with using these paints improves as my desire for perfection doesn’t seem to be subsiding.”
Jay Olsen
