Jlap777
Menu© 2026 Jlap777 in cooperation with CloudFolios, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Artists statement
As an artist inspired by the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, I seek to bring joy, peace, and hope through my work. Nature’s landscapes, ever-changing and full of life, offer endless inspiration that I strive to capture in every piece. Working primarily with watercolors, I invite the gentle flow of pigments to tell stories filled with light and harmony. Through acrylics, I layer colors and textures, inviting viewers into a world where imagination blooms and calmness prevails. I believe that thoughtful composition and a vibrant, soothing palette are key to creating art that uplifts the spirit.
The sky, with its shifting moods and colors, often forms the peaceful backdrop of my paintings. The sea’s quiet strength and the land’s enduring presence become comforting focal points. Among these elements, trees hold a special place in my heart, each one whispering stories of resilience and grace that I aim to honor through my art.
My creative process begins close to home, drawing from the simple beauty that surrounds me daily. I am especially moved by moments where light and shadow play together—the soft glow of late afternoon sunlight filtering through leaves, or the gentle shimmer of a sunset casting warmth over a wintry field. These scenes are reminders of life’s subtle joys and the hope found in everyday moments.
What makes my work unique is the way I blend mixed media with watercolor as the foundation. I use markers, watercolor pencils, and unexpected household materials like salt, sponges, or rubbing alcohol to create textures that invite viewers to pause and feel. With acrylics, I sometimes incorporate simple objects such as onion bags to add depth and dimension, enhancing the emotional resonance of each piece.
Every painting I create is an expression of the peaceful and hopeful stories found in nature. Through this work, I hope to offer viewers a moment of calm reflection and a gentle reminder that joy and beauty are always within reach.
Artist's Biography
Janet Lapelusa, a captivating and introspective artist, was born in Madison, West Virginia, but her roots and upbringing are firmly planted in the vibrant cultural landscape of Columbus, Ohio. Janet's childhood paved the way for her artistic journey, deeply influenced by her familial surroundings. At the tender age of eight, inspired by a drawing book by John Nagy, she discovered her passion for art, choosing trees as her first muse. This early fascination never left her; rather, it grew and evolved, becoming central to her work.
While artistic talent threaded through her family, with an uncle known for his detailed train sketches, it was Janet's drive and creativity that charted her path. She honed her skills at The Columbus College of Art and Design, where she earned a one-year scholarship in 1978. Following this stint, Janet expanded her education at Capital University, setting the foundation for her life's next chapter.
For thirty-two years, Janet dedicated herself to public service, working as a full-time government employee. During this time, she married and raised two children, yet art remained her constant companion, waiting patiently for her to fully embrace it upon retirement. With newfound freedom, Janet returned to her artistic pursuits, driven by a renewed vigor and sense of purpose.
Her work is a testament to the beauty and wonder of God's creation, a central theme and source of inspiration in her artistry. Skies and trees, in particular, captivate Janet's imagination. She delights in the character of trees and the ever-changing hues of sunrise and sunset skies. Her creative process is as much about contemplation as it is about execution. Each work begins with a thoughtful deliberation on the subject, followed by a careful consideration of composition and palette choice—be it warm or cool tones.
Janet's technique is an evolving masterpiece of trial and error, informed by various tutorials and a profound understanding of watercolor and acrylic paints. Her art, marked by a distinctive fingerprint unique to her brushstrokes, offers viewers a distinctive depiction of scenes that reflect her internal dialogue with nature's beauty.
Janet's dedication to her craft has resulted in several gratifying projects, including watercolor greeting cards distributed to nursing homes and notable pieces displayed in a gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her artistic influences, Cézanne and Matisse, echo in her work, lending her creations a timeless quality that resonates with audiences.
Her affiliation with Art StoreFronts and the All Art Works Gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, showcases her commitment to engaging with the artistic community. Her works have found audiences at AllArt Works in Michigan and Terravana in California, with special mention accolades from Terravana Gallery underscoring her growing artistic reputation.
International recognition has come her way through features in major shows like Holy Art Gallery in Greece. Her art, which imparts a sense of peace to those who view it, reflects her personal values and beliefs—a desire to instill hope and joy, making monetary gain secondary.
Janet Lapelusa's art transcends mere aesthetics; it is a beacon of light and solace, embodying her conviction that art plays a profound role in societal well-being. Through her kaleidoscopic landscapes and serene compositions, Janet seeks to brighten the corners of people's lives, imbuing their days with color and tranquility. Her journey continues with the aim of fostering hope and joy in others through her inspirational art.