26 Aug Janet Edwards 8/25 – 9/9
Printmaker, Watercolorist, California Artist, and Redlands Treasured Artist
Fred & Janet at her booksigning
Janet Edwards is a California artist whose work reflects her love of the natural beauty of California, though beautiful scenes from traveling to other places are also depicted in her art. Many of her etchings include embossing as part of the design. She has also worked in other print media, especially serigraphy. While working primarily in the etching medium, she is also an accomplished watercolorist, and a watercolor-like style is often reflected in her work.
Etchings are printed from metal plates upon which an image has been etched with acid to produce a texture that will hold ink. Each print is the result of hand inking on the plate and printing by pressure under the roller of an etching press. Though the prints of the same design are as ;much alike as a hand process will alow, minor differences from print to print may sometimes be detected. Inasmuch as each pritn is the direct end product of the artist’s work, and printed by her from the plates she has created, it is one of a series of multiple original pieces of art and not a copy or reproduction.
Janet’s work often depicts the rugged central and northern Caifornia coastline, as well as the flowers, trees, wildlife, and buildings characteristic of the state. Her series on whales illustrates what you might see, if you were lucky enough, during the yearly migration of these huge mammals. She is especially well known in the inland Southern California area for her depiction of the tall palm trees, mountains, and orange groves common to that region. Janet has also produced designs based upon travel to other states, and to England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, and Canada.
Janet Edwards’ art work is in homes, civic buildings, and offices throughout California, in all 50 states of the Union, and at least 40 other countries. Her work has been chosen by educational, cultural, and civic organizations to honor dignitaries, professors, musicians, ambassadors, politicians, and many other special people.
After earning a B.A. degree in Art Education at the University of Redlands, she taught public school art before raising a family. She has been a past president of the Redlands Art Association, the program chair, and for 13 years- since its inception- she has been a member of the Margaret Clark art enrichment committee (MCAEEF). She has been an active participant in the RAA Gallery since the early 1980s.
Printmaking coursework was taken at Long Beach State University, Westchester Adult School, Santa Monica College, and San Bernardino Colelge, followed by many years of work in she & husband Fred Edwards’ home studio.
Janet Edwards’ work is currently available through Highligh Gallery, Mendocina, CA, The Chambers Gallery, Cambria, CA, Earthworks Gallery, Yachats, OR, Smith Jewelers, Redlands, and Redlands Art Association. Also available by contacting her home studio (909) 793-7169, www.janetmedwards.com. See more of her art at www.janetmedwards.com.
Janet Edwards’ exhibit is featured through Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the RAA Gallery. In addition to displaying her stunning prints, Edwards has placed a descriptive diagram near the framed work, explaining the etching to printing process.
Redlands Art Association is located downtown at 215 E. State Street, Redlands, Ca 92374 (909) 792-8435. The gallery is open from 11 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday.
Janet’s “Kimberly Crest” on the Redlands Wall of the Gallery