Meet Jean Hildebrant | Fine Art painter and instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jean Hildebrant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
What matters most to me is to create art that uplifts and adds beauty to this world, which can at times be filled with struggles.

I want my art to make life more beautiful . I desire for it to be uplifting and bring joy to the viewer. My hope is that my art reflects the amazing beauty God has created. Beauty can be found all around us and even in ordinary things we may take for granted. When I hear someone tell me that my art has brought them joy, that is what brings me the most fulfillment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is mostly centered around figurative subjects. I have always been drawn to painting people. I aspire to create images that reflect the greatness of our Creator and the unique beauty of each person. I enjoy painting portrait commissions of people as well as animals. I also teach art and enjoy helping other artists improve their skills which I find is quite fulfilling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Scottsdale Artists School is one of my favorite places. It was one reason I wanted to live in Scottsdale. I heard of it through artist acquaintances who had taken workshop from prominent artists who would travel to the school. I received several scholarships to take workshops and I learned much through the generosity of the school , its donors and the highly skilled instructors. It is my privilege to now included to the roster of instructors and to be able to give back what has graciously been passed on to me. Another place I would recommend is Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Through viewing their permanent and traveling exhibitions, much can be learned by being able to view great works of art first hand. Not far from Scottsdale is the Phoenix At Museum and I would highly recommend visiting it as well as the Heard Museum which is nearby. There you will find a vast array of Native American art and artifacts. It is something you shouldn’t miss, educational as well as enjoyable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Scottsdale Artists School. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the scholarship program, I have received multiple scholarships.. Many wonderful artists from across the nation, travel to Scottsdale, and share their expertise. I will always be grateful for this opportunity which has taught me so much.

A little about me and my advice to other aspiring artists

I grew up in a small town in Oregon. I had practically no art or artists around me but I had a love to draw from a very young age. Without any internet, my education was from war few art books I could find at the library. My best instruction came from copying master artists work and many hours of practice. I had very little art supplies and no studio at the beginning but I’ve found that you can’t let that deter you. Work with what you have. Even when raising small children, I would find time when they were sleeping. When art is a passion, you will find a way.

Website: www.jeanhildebrant.com

Instagram: Jean Hildebrant Fine Art

Facebook: Jean Garton Hildebrant or Jean Hildebrant Fine Art

Image Credits
My own images