We recently connected with Jeanette Perez and have shared our conversation below.
Jeanette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Raised as an old school perfectionist for my entire life, I had an extremely hard time not linking my art to my own value. I think it’s something a lot of creative types do. If someone doesn’t like the painting, or photo, or song, it’s a reflection on who we are, and our worth. It’s an insidious way to think, and it gets in the way of the joy to be found in sharing our work.
It took me a long time to get to the point where I can be authentically open about my art, and if we are honest, I think it’s something that we all struggle with to some extent. Taking the risk to make a career out of something so deeply personal–and learning to let it not always BE deeply personal–is a terrifying and exhilarating thing. But for me, letting go of the connection between my worth and my work means I am free to try new things and experiences. I’m free to explore new styles or niches, and above all, find more joy for myself and help others find it too. If my work speaks to someone, that’s who I painted it for. If someone views one of my photographs and feels the wonder I had when I took it, that’s what it’s all about. Every time I pick up my camera or brushes, it’s a risk. But that’s exactly where I want to live.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a landscape watercolor artist and photographer. Even now those words sometimes feel strange to say. I never thought I’d trade in my business attire for a paintbrush, but life has a funny way of surprising you. Around 2009, I dipped my toes into watercolor painting, but my inner perfectionist made it tough to really dive in. It felt like every stroke had to be flawless, which, let’s face it, isn’t exactly realistic.
Fast forward to 2017, my husband and I decided to escape the corporate world and urban setting for the wilds of the American West. Tucked away on the side of a mountain in western Montana, we made a little homestead, started raising our own food, and worked toward a simpler–yet in many ways much harder–life. It is much more work to live here, but the rewards are immeasurably priceless. The best part is that I don’t have to travel to exotic locations to see some of the best scenery the world has to offer…I just have to walk outside. It’s my goal to bring that beauty to others in a —variety of ways, from original art to photography prints or even merchandise.
Now, my mission is simple: to bring a piece of that Montana magic to you. Whether you’re daydreaming of wide-open spaces, reminiscing about past adventures, or just love a good scenic view, I’ve got something special for you. Think original watercolor paintings, hand-painted greeting cards, and jaw-dropping photo prints—all showcasing the hidden gems of Montana.
I love the stunning shots found in the iconic national parks, but I am also passionate about the little-known peak with amazing views, or the secret fishing spot deep in the canyon, or the trail that only the locals know about. Montana is all of these things, and I am excited to share it with you.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I remember back when I was trying to decide whether to actually go all in on this idea of an art business, and I brought two small paintings to a white elephant gift party. I figured it was the perfect way to anonymously get feedback. No one would know they were mine, and if the recipients hated them, I could slink away without anyone knowing.
Both paintings, however, ended up in the hands of people who truly loved them, and seeing their faces drove home the point: that joy was what I was after. Whether they knew it or not, they had just given me the last push I needed to jump in with both feet.
I love the feel of a brush on paper. I love the vibrant colors and the way watercolor does unexpected, even wild things. I love the satisfaction I get when I take a photo that I know is going to be amazing. I love the places here in Montana that I have gotten to photograph. But most of all, I love hearing the stories from clients who buy my work because it reminds them of a happy memory or a held-onto dream. I love everything about being an artist, but most of all, I love the joy that it can bring others.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
As much as being an artist offers flexibility and freedom, there are still a lot of aspects that require self-discipline. Perhaps the biggest one involves creating routines. Books like Atomic Habits, Deep Work, and others created a foundation that I use every day. Whether it’s exploring new niches, planning a drive or hike to a new location, or spending time learning new techniques, there is always something to do, something more to push toward. My work might not dictate my worth, but my worth demands that I put my all into my work. Self-discipline, for me, is the most necessary skill of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: jeanetteperezart.com
- Instagram: jeanetteperezart
- Facebook: jeanetteperezart
Image Credits
Jeanette Perez