Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janine Robertson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Janine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege to be part of was creating artwork for Yale New Haven Health. Early in my career as a full-time artist, I was exhibiting at a small co-op gallery in Chester, Connecticut. During that time, a Yale art consultant discovered my work, and we developed a professional relationship. She felt that my paintings—known for their vibrant colors and calming presence—were a great fit for the healthcare environment.

Most of the pieces I created were large-scale, custom works, often featuring local scenes. The salt marshes and expansive sky vistas characteristic of New England were especially popular. To date, Yale New Haven Health owns over 30 of my paintings, which are displayed throughout their healthcare system. The visibility has been incredible, and I’m truly humbled by the positive feedback I’ve received.

Janine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been creating art for most of my life. I grew up in Western New York and moved to Connecticut after marrying my husband, Scott. It was in Madison, Connecticut, that I began my career as a muralist and trompe l’oeil painter, completing significant commercial and residential installations throughout New England.

Once our children were grown and off to college, I gradually shifted my focus to landscape painting in oil. This change allowed me to explore a more intimate scale in my work, and it was during this time that I discovered the beauty of painting on aluminum and copper. I’m drawn to the luminosity these surfaces offer—they bring a unique depth and radiance to my pieces.

At first, I worked out of a home studio. But as my projects grew in scale—particularly with large commissions for Yale—I sought a dedicated studio space outside the home. Now, I paint in this space nearly every day, just a short walk from where I live. It’s given me the freedom to fully immerse myself in my art and continue refining my craft.

I feel like I’ve truly settled into what I do best. I paint what I love—pieces I would want to hang in my own home. That’s been incredibly liberating. I don’t feel confined by rigid expectations; instead, I let the paint guide me, allowing each piece to evolve into a compelling composition. I think my clients trust in that process, and it’s what makes each work feel authentic and alive.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist, for me, is the freedom to create what I love—and the joy of connecting with collectors who resonate with that work. Selling a painting often feels like giving away a puppy. You pour your heart into it, nurture it, and grow attached. But in the end, it’s wonderful to see it go to a good home!

There’s also a deep sense of validation in each sale. It tells me that what I’m creating speaks to someone else—that the thought, and energy I poured into the work resonates with them and that connection fuels me.

I’m also incredibly grateful for my gallery representation. It allows me to do what I do best—keep my head down and paint—while they handle the marketing, sales, and building client relationships. It’s a partnership that gives me the space to focus fully on the creative side of things.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media plays a vital role in being an artist today—but finding the right balance can be challenging. It’s important to stay visible and relevant by sharing images of your work and celebrating when pieces sell. In fact, some of the galleries I’m currently represented by discovered my work through social media posts.

That said, it can sometimes feel awkward, especially when sharing sales. It can feel a bit like bragging, and that’s something I’ve had to work on. But I’ve come to see that it’s a way to share milestones and connect with people who support my work. Striking a healthy balance is key.

I’ve found that videos tend to get the most engagement. Using Instagram templates, trending audio, and keeping videos short, fun and visually compelling makes a big difference. It’s all part of building a presence while staying true to your voice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.janinerobertsonart.com
• Instagram: @janinerobertsonart
• Facebook: janine.robertson.7927