Ferris Wheel
24 x 18 in.
Oil on panel
$3,600
Available through the artist
This is a painting of a bustling street in Barcelona at night, looking towards a distant, brightly lit Ferris wheel on the old wharf by the Mediterranean Sea. One of the things I loved about Barcelona was the nights were as alive as most cities are by day. The inhabitants stay up into the wee hours of the morning just like me, and sleep until noon. And as an offshoot of this city of ‘night owls’ the street lights are bright, colorful and stylish, lighting the teeming masses of pedestrians that cram the narrow cobblestone streets. I was drawn to the brightly lit amusement park icon which perfectly captured the essence of Barcelona, and I had to paint it.
This painting received the ‘Cityscape Award of Excellence’ for the OPA 2020 Virtual Salon Show.
European scenes appeal to me in part due to my being born and raised in Montreal, Canada, with its distinctly European flavor permeating its architecture and the multitude of old stone churches which pepper its streets. Don’t misunderstand me though, I’m definitely a North American patriot, having proudly served in both the Canadian and United States army reserves from 1985 through 1994. After that I was employed as a full-time animation artist and worked on projects for various animation studios including Disney and Nickelodeon. Then in 2000, I devoted myself to painting full-time and actively participating in art events and community building programs. I conduct an ongoing, uninstructed figure drawing workshop three times a week out of my spacious studio I refer to as my ‘sanctuary’ located in the heart of Los Feliz. Additionally, I teach plein air painting workshops in various locations throughout the United States and abroad.
My inspirations consist of notable artists such as John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, Nicolai Fechin and Cecilia Beaux. I primarily paint in oils and occasionally watercolors and gouache. I have an affinity for painting ‘en plein air’ and also enjoy creating studio works using my outdoor sketches as inspiration. Painting is somewhat of a spiritual experience for me. Although challenging at times, the end result evokes within me a sense of elation, nostalgia and harmony.
Upcoming Workshops:
5-Day Plein Air Painting in Ojai, California | April 2020
En Plein Air in Cinque Terre, Italy | May 2022
View more of Jennifer’s work at: jennifermcchristian.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennifermcchristian
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifer.a.mcchristian
