ARTIST'S PROFILE Jan Ledbetter's mixed-media paintings are pictorial tapestries layering observations and imagination, design elements, abstract motifs, and personal symbols. Though her daughters, friends, and class models often pose for her figurative paintings, she is never interested in creating an exact likeness, but rather in using the figure as a design element. Recent travels to Peru and several trips to Guatemala including giving a painting workshop there in 2009, have greatly influenced Jan's subject matter. Many of her new paintings record her impressions of the Maya women in Guatemala's colorful markets. By exploring the relationships of value, shape, texture and color, she leads us on a creative journey through each painting. Balancing painting, teaching, and giving international workshops, her work reflects the joy and passion that she brings to every aspect of her life. She has taught and exhibited her paintings for over 30 years. EDUCATION Syracuse University, Master of Fine Arts in Illustration, Syracuse NY University of Central Oklahoma, Bachelor of Science, Edmond OK Stephens College, Associate of Arts, Columbia MO PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Signature Member of National Watercolor Society Signature Member of Southern Watercolor Society Signature Member of Virginia Watercolor Society PUBLICATIONS Magazine: American Artist Watercolor, Materials, Techniques & Inspiration for Watermedia Painting, "The Joy of Paint and Paper", winter 2007 Book: Two of Jan`s paintings are included in Mary Todd Beam's new book "The Creative Edge, Exercises to Celebrate Your Creative Self " SOLO & JOINT EXHIBITIONS This Century Art Gallery, Williamsburg  VA, August 2008 Three Ladies, Three Styles, One Exhibit, Yorktown VA, August 2009 COLLECTIONS Jan's paintings are held in numerous collections including Norfolk Southern Corporation, Kingsmill on the James, and Bay Rivers Group JURIED EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS National Watercolor Society 90th Annual Exhibition 2010, selected for Travel Exhibition (Oct show) National Watercolor Society 87th Annual Exhibition 2007    Painting selected for their Travel Show 2008 National Watercolor Society 86th Annual Exhibition 2006    Award: Alexander Nepote Memorial Award Painting selected for their Travel Show 2007 Painting used on the front of the Exhibition`s invitation San Diego Watercolor Society Exhibition 2010 (Show dates October 1-31, Ana Drobnies Award), 2009 (Award) Southern Watercolor Society Exhibitions 2010 (Award), 2008 (Award and selected for Travel Show), 2007 (Award), 2006 (Award)  Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition 2009 Watercolor Art Society of Houston International Exhibitions 2010 (Award), 2009 Baltimore Watercolor Society's Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition  2010 (Awarded Silver Medal, the Marilyn Saboe Memorial Award), 2009 Peninsula Fine Arts Center Biennail 2010 (Oct. show) Virginia Watercolor Society Juried Exhibitions 2010 (Award of Distinction), 2009 (Best in Show), 2008  (Award), 2007 (Award: Third Place), 2006 (Award: Second Place), 2005, 2004, 2003 Virginia Artists 2010 (July 18 - Aug. 29)