This year’s Glenmary Easter appeal was very difficult. When they called to commission me for the painting, they said they were thinking of an image of the risen Jesus and Mary Magdalene at the tomb. I responded with, “Um, you do know that I don’t do people well.” Not only was I anxious about doing people, I was also anxious about painting Jesus because everyone has their own conception of what he looked like. Glenmary (very kindly) replied that they had liked the people I had painted for them in paintings past, and wanted me to give it a shot…oh, and also include an olive tree and other foliage with the tomb.
Amazingly enough, they were really happy with the first draft I sent them and only had a few refinements. This painting, what I feel is the most complicated piece I’ve done for them, had fewer revisions than any other painting that I had done. The Wisemen painting alone went through something like six revisions!
Happy Easter!
About jenny
Jennifer Smith Greene is originally from and lives currently in Burbank, California with her husband Gavin Greene.
Jenny completed her undergraduate degree from Woodbury University in Graphic Design. She has worked as a graphics & web designer, both as an in-house and freelance designer. She also has completed a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. She has worked as a hospital chaplain and in support roles in various churches.
In her spare time, Jenny enjoys watercolor painting. She has taken classes and workshops under Joseph Stoddard, Tom Fong, Danny Gregory and Jane Friend.
Additionally, Jenny is active in the community and volunteers her time on the Board of Family Promise of East San Fernando Valley, a social service nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless children and their families by providing shelter and support services to help the families find jobs and housing.
Jenny enjoys reading (and highly recommends the site Goodreads), watching movies, playing softball and tennis and taking walks with her husband.
Otherwise, Jenny is always curious to find out about those people who come to her site and would love to hear from you!
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