Interview
Jean Habeck
Born in the Midwest, in Wisconsin and lived in Illinois, Jean Habeck began her artistic journey at an early age, drawing and painting. Jean’s extensive travels include going across Europe, Iceland, Mexico, and the U.S. have enriched her perspective and fueled her creativity. Inspired by nature, Jean draws from personal hikes, photography, and her time on the Pacific Coast, having lived in Del Mar, CA, and Portland, OR, where she also worked in a photography studio. She captures the essence of natural landscapes, portraying expansive mountains, serene seas, and the unique spirit of animals in their environments.
Working with acrylics and low-fire glazes, she combines expressionistic elements with tile and canvas. Jean has developed a unique style of art by merging traditional and digital techniques. She starts with photographs of her original artwork and brings them into Photoshop, where she transforms the piece by adding graphics and altering the background. Special effects further enhance the artwork, giving it a fresh, dynamic style that bridges the gap between traditional painting and modern digital design. Jean founded her freelance art business, Graphix Studio17, in Keystone, CO, where she initially worked within the ski resort industry. She later worked for a major tile company, producing hundreds of tile paintings that reached clients nationwide and internationally. Her pieces have been showcased in prestigious venues such as the original Buell Mansion and highlighted in Channel 7, The Denver Post, and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles. Jean’s artwork has been featured in the Parade of Homes, restaurants, stores, and art galleries throughout Colorado. Her Fine Art and tile paintings have reached clients across the U.S. and abroad. After earning a BA in Art Education with a Minor in Painting/Drawing from CSU, Ft. Collins, she also taught in the public school system. Now preparing to move back to Denver, she continues to create and exhibit her work, including in a Blackhawk, CO gallery.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My artistic journey began at an early age, drawing and painting as a response to my hearing loss from German measles. My story unfolds with the simple joy of childhood, where crayons held the power to create worlds and dreams. I would spend hours captivated by their vibrant hues, mesmerized by the endless possibilities they offered. Each stroke on paper felt like a revelation, unlocking a realm where imagination reigned supreme and became my voice in a world I couldn’t always hear. Through those imaginative moments, I discovered not only the joy of art but a language of expression that spoke to me deeply. Art became my sanctuary - a place to escape, explore, and share with others. Those early days planted the seeds of a lifelong passion, teaching me that creativity knows no bounds and that art has the power to transform, revive, and inspire. From childhood scribbles to the more refined works of later years, each piece became a part of my journey - a journey that began with crayons and continues to unfold with every brushstroke, every exploration of color and form. Encouraged by my teachers and my mother to pursue my dreams, I set out to refine this passion. I began at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, initially focusing on Graphic Design and Illustration, but soon realized my heart was drawn to the freedom of Painting and Drawing. This shift led me to transfer to Colorado State University, where I graduated with a BA in Art Education and a Minor in Painting and Drawing. These experiences shaped me, giving depth to the vision that first emerged in those simple crayons. Today, with every new piece, I continue that journey, honoring the threads of creativity from those humble beginnings and the love affair with art that has defined and continues to shape who I am.”
What inspires you?
“I'm inspired by the wonders of the natural world and the countless adventures it invites. Nature, in all its forms, moves me - animals in their unique habitats, the serenity of mountains, and the endless mysteries of the sea. Whether I'm hiking a rugged trail, exploring a new place, or simply watching the sunrise or set, I find myself constantly awed by the world’s beauty. Living by the Pacific Ocean and in the mountains has only deepened my connection to these landscapes, reminding me of the endless stories they hold. Travel, exploration, and road trips are also at the heart of my creative life. Each journey, whether near or far, offers new perspectives and inspirations. My photography captures these moments, transforming fleeting experiences into lasting references for my art. My imagination draws on the magic of children’s books and fantasy—dragons, mythical creatures, and whimsical illustrations spark a playful creativity within me. Famous artworks, movies, books, and everyday life continue to inspire me, feeding my fascination with how art can express wonder, adventure, and fantasy. In essence, my inspiration is a fusion of real-life experiences and imagined worlds, united by a deep curiosity and an enduring love for the beauty around me.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The themes in my artwork flow naturally from my love for both the natural and imagined worlds. I’m drawn to landscapes, seascapes, skyscapes, and the life that inhabits them - from the serenity of clouds drifting across the sky to the vibrant, colorful world beneath the ocean’s surface. Wildlife, cityscapes, and the beauty of the unknown, such as the vast sky and universe, inspire me to explore a range of styles - realism, abstract, and expressionism - each offering a unique way to share what I see and feel. Beneath each piece, there’s a message that calls viewers to pause, take in the beauty of our world, and explore what’s around them. Art can be a reminder to go outside, reconnect with nature, and care for both mental and physical health. I want my work to evoke a sense of peace and wonder, encouraging a moment of relaxation, a release of stress, and an appreciation for the therapy that nature offers. In the end, my goal is to inspire a deeper connection to the world with peace, and hopefully, to each other.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is a fusion of styles, blending expressionism, realism, and abstract with elements of graphic design. Using a variety of mediums - from pencil drawings to acrylics on canvas, and even tile painting on natural stone with low-fire glazes - I aim to capture the vibrancy of the natural world. Landscapes, ocean scenes, animals, and graphic elements find their place in my art, with brushstrokes and bright colors that express mood and emotion. Each piece is an exploration of how color, texture, and form can convey the beauty and energy of life around us.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My artistic influences span the ages, from the timeless mastery of Michelangelo and Da Vinci to the vibrant, graphic style of Peter Max. The Impressionists - Monet, Renoir, and Degas - captivate me with their ability to evoke atmosphere and mood through color and brushstroke. I’m also inspired by mystical artists and illustrators, especially those who bring to life the whimsical and fantastical worlds of children’s books, like Maurice Sendak and dragon illustrators. These artists fuel my love for both realism and fantasy, guiding my exploration of emotion, imagination, and the beauty of the natural world.”
“My work is a fusion of styles, blending expressionism, realism, and abstract with elements of graphic design.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with gathering inspiration, often from nature and my own photography. I brainstorm and let ideas take shape organically, allowing concepts to evolve as I envision the piece. Once an idea feels ready, I refine and distill it, focusing on the details and emotions I want to convey. The final step is both analytical and intuitive - evaluating the concept’s potential and then bringing it to life through deliberate, expressive execution. Each piece becomes a journey from inspiration to creation, a blend of vision and craft.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists have always been a mirror to the world, offering unique perspectives and provoking thought. I see this role evolving as artists continue to challenge societal norms and raise awareness about critical issues. Through political statements and poignant commentary, art becomes a powerful tool for social change, urging reflection and action on the most pressing topics of our time.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have hundreds of tile paintings throughout the US and in Taiwan. My acrylic paintings also feature in restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops and retail stores throughout the state. In 2024, I was a featured artist in Ignite magazine and I was a part of an international book project featuring 16 women from diverse backgrounds, coming together through art to explore how creativity can be used to help people heal through therapeutic practices.”
