Jane Carlson

BY LIZA STROUT - For the Carlsons, art is a family affair. Hughes Gallery will be hosting local artist Jane Carlson and her son, Wes Carlson, in their first joint gallery show. The show, titled “Jane and Wes Carlson, Two Generations,” will open on Monday, Feb. 20 from 6-8 p.m. The show will continue Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.

There have been artists in Jane and Wes’ family at least as far back as the Civil War, when their ancestor David Claypool Johnston painted President Lincoln’s portrait.

Wes Carlson lives in Massachusetts. He studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City, and then continued his education at the Museum School of Fine Art in Boston. While his mother influenced his earlier work, he has since found a style of his own. His vibrant paintings have won a collection of prizes from shows across the nation.

Jane Carlson was born in Boston, and started drawing as soon as she could hold a crayon. Unlike most teens she knew exactly what she wanted to do once she graduated from high school - attend the Massachusetts College of Art. She took a break from her art to pursue a modeling career in New York City. It was during this time that she met her husband Byron. They dated for a year, and then were married. After she had her three sons, she began attending classes at the Art Students League in New York City.

Her art hangs in prestigious galleries across the country, and it’s easy to see why Jane’s art hangs in many of the homes on the island. Her landscapes capture the feel of Gasparilla Island, and her love of the shore shows in her work. Jane also loves the community, and supports local charities with donations of her work.

Jane passed her love of art to her children. There is Wes of course, and her middle son is a successful medical illustrator. The tradition continues with her grandchildren. Paintings from all three generations decorate her home, along with an eclectic collection of shell art created by Jane and milk jug fish painted when her grandchildren were younger.

While she is best known for her Impressionist oil paintings, she is also a member of the American Watercolor Society. She has shown her work in galleries and competitions across the country, and has won an impressive array of awards and honors.

Contact Hughes Gallery at 964-4273 if you have any questions.

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