Collection: Jayne Murphy

Originally from Virginia, Jayne grew up in the country where her Father was the local Methodist minister with 4 small churches, a devoted wife, 5 children and a variety of pets. Ministers were moved around often and they eventually relocated to a larger town where Jayne graduated high school, then went on to a small, two year college and played on all the sports teams that were available. There was not a lot of interest in art at that time, except for one art history class and much time spent in the beloved pottery studio. One day, while going into the empty painting studio by mistake,  Jayne had a chance to wander between the easels and look at the works in progress. Her first thought was 'I want to do that'. 

The desire to paint was strong, but short-lived. As the years went by, Jayne supported herself as a house painter in Virginia. During this time she also volunteered at the local theatre working backstage. She had no experience at all and started with the lowliest tasks, slowly working her way up to other responsibilities. This humble beginning developed into a 30 year career as a stage manager, props person, sound operator and lighting designer. 

Fast forward to about 12 years ago, the desire to paint resurfaced while spending time in museums and being emotionally touched by the works of art in front of her. Again, the thought  'I want to do that' came to mind. 

By now she has moved (temporarily) to New England while working in the theatre and caretaking a huge, historic building. At home she began painting, failing miserably with each attempt. She began searching for a teacher and was blessed to find Dennis Cheaney at The Realist School of Boston. Dennis is an oil painter working in the old school style of the great painters, the masters of light and shadow. He was kind and patient and shared his knowledge without hesitation. When Dennis left to continue his career elsewhere, Jayne then began (and currently is) studying with the talented painter/musician, Stuart Dunkel, at The Nautilus School of Classical Art.  Without these two enormously generous teachers, the desire to paint may have once again slipped into the background. Their support and contributions have been invaluable. Today, books are still poured over and paintings studied daily while trying to understand the concepts and techniques of oil paint.

Someday soon, Jayne wants to move back to the countryside of Virginia to have a food garden, continue raising bees, live close to her family and paint everyday.