About the Artist

Jana Gibbons | Jana’s Wild Palette

Woman smiling near a painting of a rabbit with cacti against a green background.

I grew up in the redwood forests of Northern California, where my favorite teenage pastime was sitting inside the redwoods, communing with nature, and taking long walks along the beaches. Those moments of quiet connection began a lifelong love of all life, the way it moves, breathes, and exists in harmony.

My artistic path began in my 20s with stained-glass. When my children were little, I shifted to animal sculptures, creating pieces that became cherished gifts for family and friends. Though I often toyed with the idea of pursuing art as a career, I chose instead to focus on a more stable path, one rooted in massage therapy, Reiki, herbology, and other healing arts.

Now, as I approach my retirement, I have an opportunity to fully embrace my artistic dreams.

My Artistic Journey

I am a self-taught artist, but I have always loved attending workshops to develop my skills, to be inspired, and to build the momentum that keeps me moving forward.

Currently, I’m enjoying an intermediate painting class with Karen McCauley at Coppini Fine Arts Academy, and studying drawing with Lourdes Maria Ong at Hindes Fine Art in San Antonio.

This new portion of my artistic journey began in 2023, so in many ways, I feel I am still in the beginning stages. Right now, my paintings lean toward realistic wildlife and landscapes, often featuring some of my favorite subjects: birds, butterflies, and frogs.

As my skills grow, I am beginning to broaden my expressions to include images drawn from my dreams, meditations, and playful explorations of magical realism.

Woman kneeling beside a dog on a foggy beach. The woman is wearing a blue jacket and shorts, and the dog is wet, possibly after swimming.
A person sitting on a large, ancient tree next to a hanging bell in a lush garden with sunlight filtering through the branches.

Original Art & Commissions

In addition to my own original paintings and prints, I am excited to offer commissions.

I can create a pet portrait that captures the unique heart and soul of any species.

I have been deeply drawn to what I call "healing art" a collaboration where we co-create a painting that serves as a heartfelt reminder of love and connection after grief or loss.

I also love transforming photos of memorable experiences into meaningful artwork.

I hope my paintings serve as a reminder of the beauty of life, bringing a sense of peace and wonder into your home. Each gaze into my work is meant to honor the sacredness of life, a quiet moment of connection between you and the world around you.

I chose the name Jana’s Wild Palette because it embodies freedom, the freedom to express my wildest dreams.

My greatest aspiration is to capture the heart and soul of all life, celebrating the uniqueness of every being.

The Heart of Jana’s Wild Palette

A woman and a brown dog are inside a large, hollow tree in a forest. The woman is wearing a green jacket and is crouching down beside the dog. Surrounding them are lush green leaves and undergrowth, indicating a dense forest environment.

Inspiration & Influence

Painting of a dog wearing a sombrero and bandana, looking at a desert landscape with mountains, cacti, and a setting sun.

Inspiration often comes in quiet moments: a bird’s call at dawn, a still pool of water, a memory that stirs something deep inside. Nature isn’t just my subject, it’s my collaborator. The more I slow down and listen, the more the next painting reveals itself.

One of my favorite artists is Jesse Allen, who paints African wildlife. I love how he captures the unseen auras surrounding life and movements in the air. His paintings feel real, yet infused with a bright, magical component, something I also strive to bring into my own work.

I’m deeply moved by the work of photographers and everyday observers who take a moment to really see the world around them. Many of my pieces begin with sharing a beloved photo, a story, or a moment that meant something profound. I feel honored to carry that spark into a new visual form.

Art is about feeling, and my greatest influences are those who paint not just what they see, but what they sense.

Person sitting on a balcony with an ocean view, holding a drink, near palm trees.

Thank you for visiting my creative world!

 If my art speaks to you, I’d love to connect. Whether you're interested in an original piece, a custom commission, or simply wish to share a love of nature and creativity, I welcome you into my journey.