jane.topping@sympatico.ca 
 

I am very privileged and proud to live in an area that is as special as the world-renowned Frontenac Arch Biosphere. Our truly amazing, and largely unspoiled, natural landscape and the wonderful quality of life it provides, our diverse flora and fauna, the rich history, and the tapestry of heritage architecture found within this landscape are all irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures. Every season holds new surprises, and brings its own unique beauty. It is this quality of home place that sustains me personally, and inspires me as an artist.  

While I grew up in Ottawa all my summers were spent at our family cottage on Lake Opinicon swimming, fishing, exploring the lake and learning about nature. At that time the lake was quiet, the bass amazing, cottages were few and far between and I was queen of the lake with a 10 horsepower outboard on my grandfather's 23 foot fishing boat. These annual pilgrimages to the Lake for the summer taught me to appreciate, and love, this area. 

It was my family who taught me to appreciate, and love, art. Ever since I was a small child I have been exposed to, and fascinated by, art. Both of my grandmothers were accomplished artists and my mother had great talent but passed away before she had the chance to focus on her art. While art has always enveloped me I didn't have the time to take lessons and commit to painting until 1993. Since that time I have taken lessons and attended seminars in both acrylic and watercolour. I like to learn as much as possible about other artists' techniques and style and then experiment. I don't want to be anybody but me. I paint the things I love the way I see them. For me painting is a challenge and a wonderful way to express myself, for painting is like writing stories using images rather than words. 

My vibrant watercolours and unique forms of decorative art include primitive, Pennsylvania Dutch Fraktur, and reverse glass painting; all reflect my love of nature, history, and colour.