Blog —
In her annual newsletter to friends and family, Jill Steenhuis sends greetings and wishes for the new year. She takes us on an inner journey, into her time of meditation in which she explores the gift of time, and the abundance of time that has been given her this past year. She shares her daily prayer: “Please, Lord, give me time to be silent, to listen to You, to listen to my soul rather than to the world. Give me time to paint so intensely that I will find my way to that unknown beauty that is there waiting to be revealed. I know I cannot perceive the mystery if I do not allow time to contemplate it.”
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My Birthday Inspirations for You
Today is my birthday and I wanted to thank everyone for your presence that I have felt throughout the year. You have applauded art and that makes me happy.
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.
- Creative Process |
- Nature |
- New Works |
- News |
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.
- Life in France |
- News |
Spring Tour Cancelled
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jill is cancelling her spring tour. Stay tuned for further updates.
4. First Friend in Aix
Meet the very first person Jill encountered when she arrived in Aix-en-Provence (and no, they are not sisters if you can believe it!)
Meditations for Lent
Jill unfolds her recent meditations on the practice of receiving and being silent.
3. Early Shows
Paving the path back to Atlanta from Provence: through family friends and art lovers, Jill starts showing and selling her work.
2. Artist, Newlywed and Young Mother
After Jill's two-year hiatus from oil painting in order to focus on drawing and watercolor, she picked up her oil paints again, and started an entirely new chapter of her life as a newlywed and young mother.
1. Introduction to 40 Years in France Series
As a way of celebrating her 40 years of living in Provence, Jill is publishing a series of blog posts in which she highlights significant and memorable moments in her journey.
- Life in France |
- Nature |
- News |
Happy New Year 2020
Jill sends her warmest greetings for 2020 as she enters her 40th year of living in Provence. She reflects on her artistic pilgrimmage and life journey as an American living in France. She also shares some of the highlights of the past year and mentions some of her upcoming events in 2020.
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