About Janet
Janet Parker is a Master Pastelist and Signature member of PastelArtists.ca. She is a member of the Society of Canadain Artists, The Federation of Canadian Artists, The Woman's Art Association of Hamilton, Burlington Fine Arts Guild and Alumnist of Dundas Valley School of Art (DVSA) . Her work hangs in homes and board rooms in several parts of the world and been published in Pastel Artist International Magazine and International Artist Magazine. She has taught workshops at DVSA and courses at Burlington Art Centre and other venues in her area.
Born and educated in the Cotswolds area of England, Janet has always shown an interest in art. Around the age of ten, she became interested in oil painting, mentored by her Great Uncle who was an accomplished First World War artist.
In 1969, she immigrated to Canada and took up a long career in banking. In 1971, her family moved to Dundas, a small rural town in southern Ontario which is home to a well known art school, Dundas Valley School of Art. Through many courses at the school, she was able to rekindle her love of art and painting. During these years, she also became involved in other art activities at the school and surrounding area.
She has always preferred to paint "en plein air" but her subject matter is varied, from landscape to figure, portrait and still life. Lately she has been turning more to abstract work and mixed media.
Although watercolour was her preferred medium for many years, she later turned to pastel because of its vibrant colours and immediacy. In recent years, Janet has returned to oils and acrylic.
Since her retirement in 2002, Janet has devoted her time to her art. She has taken numerous courses and workshops and has traveled the world to find subject matter for her paintings.