“Painting the Invisible” Film Release
We are thrilled to announce that the long-awaited documentary film is now complete!
After three years of filming, James Ruffato, Jill Steenhuis’ son, has achieved a captivating, inspiring, and insightful work of great beauty. In this full-length documentary film, the viewer is invited to enter into the quiet and intimate world of Jill’s prolific, creative, spiritual energy. The film focuses on the artist’s journey from Atlanta to Aix-en-Provence, and how she found her raison d’être.
OIL, LITHOGRAPHY, WATERCOLOR…
Explore Jill’s Universe of Painting.
Jill Steenhuis is an American-born French Impressionistic painter based in the South of France. Specializing in oil painting, lithography and watercolor, Jill captures the essence of Provence with her own personal poetry and vibrant energy.
“In my painting, the catalyst is nature. Through the act of painting, my soul engages in a dialogue”.
Discover Jill’s artwork…
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Testimonials
My Father’s Boots
It was unexpected - I felt my father's presence as I cleaned off his riding boots and prepared them for a painting session. I had thought about doing this many times before, but had never actually taken the time to do it. A flood of memories and sensations washed over me as I painted his boots. I lived and remembered and loved.
8. Letter to Daddy (March 2, 1984)
In this letter to her father, Jill writes about her first experience oil painting in the streets of Aix.
7. Meeting Serge
In her book Art, Soul & Destiny, Jill writes about how fate brought her to meet her husband Serge in the streets of Aix on her second day in France.
“Painting the Invisible” Film Release
"Painting the Invisible" is a documentary film that follows Jill Steenhuis as she navigates the landscapes of Provence in search of inspiration for her creative practice. Shot by her son, James Ruffato, over the course of three years, the film gives intimate glimpses into the world of Jill's prolific, creative, spiritual energy.
6. Art Mentors
Samuel Bjorklund taught Jill to always draw, focusing on the process rather than the outcome. François de Asis challenged Jill to paint quickly in order to achieve a spontaneous, fresh and authentic brushstroke. Both artists inspired Jill in her artistic journey and helped shape her into the artist she is today.
New Spring Artwork
Home, happy and with plenty of space to create, Jill has been working on a new body of work with the vibrant colors and textures of Provence in the springtime. She shares some of her inspirations, images of new work and a link to the full collection.
5. Finding My Way
Jill recounts some of the challenges and doubts that she was confronted with as she charted her course as a full-time artist. She describes her determination, discipline, but above all her blind faith - trusting her insticts that the path she was on was guiding her to exactly where she needed to be.
Pre-mixing the Palette
Jill highlights the importance of stepping away from her to-do lists in order to enter a creative, meditative, soulful state. She explains how pre-mixing her palette helps her in this process.