Artist Reception – Jacki Shadle

Artist’s Statement

Jacki Shadle currently resides in Middleway and serves as Jefferson County Clerk. She and her husband raised four children, with whom she was fortunate enough to stay home during their formative years. She was also an active long-term substitute/homebound teacher.

Jacki’s love of art began years ago and although she took art classes in high school, even winning an award for her efforts, time was not always available to devote to art projects. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jacki took up the brush and began experimenting with watercolors, her chosen medium.

Jacki shared: To challenge myself, I joined some Facebook and YouTube watercolor groups, specifically working to complete a daily challenge in one of those groups. I then shared my journey with Facebook friends, many of whom encouraged my efforts.

I have no real preference on what to paint. I have many photographs I’d someday like to turn into watercolors. I do enjoy painting when I can commit the time. With watercolor, you have to have the time to invest because it is a layered thing.

There are so many styles and options when developing watercolor. I am still trying to figure out my style. Some of my least favorite paintings have drawn the highest praise from others which shows that art and beauty are all in the eye of the beholder.