Interview

Mar 17

Jenn Royster

Jenn Royster is a Florida-based artist who creates dynamic oil and mixed media paintings focused on nature, wildlife, and people. Her work is a celebration of energy, the unseen force that animates life. Through her canvases, Jenn tells uplifting stories meant to inspire hope and connection. Whether capturing the empathy of wildlife banding together or the profound emotion held in a portrait’s gaze, she imbues each piece with narrative and presence. Her process intertwines contemplation and layering. She builds her surfaces with pure oils or blends of acrylics, inks, and pastels, allowing the work to evolve organically. This physical layering mirrors her own layered experience as a creator, reflecting growth, reflection, and discovery. Jenn Royster’s artistic journey is rooted in sunlit gardens and wild edges where curiosity flourished alongside her father’s inventive encouragement.

She is a member of the Professional Artist Association and the Brevard Cultural Alliance, and her paintings are represented by Xanadu Art Gallery. Central to Jenn’s work is a deep curiosity about the forces that animate life, the energy behind emotions, and the resilience found in wildlife and nature. She focuses on capturing intangible energy that tells a story. Friends and collectors often note the vibrancy of her subjects’ eyes, the intensity of her brushstrokes, and the emotional depth woven into every piece. Her work is driven by a desire to inspire and uplift others, encouraging the pursuit of one’s dreams. When not in her studio, Jenn can be found tending her organic garden, practicing yoga, or walking along the beaches of Florida, drawing inspiration from the natural world’s quiet strength. To Jenn, art is not only a means of survival but a path to thriving.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My artistic journey is rooted in sunlit gardens and wild edges where curiosity flourished alongside my father’s inventive encouragement. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, my childhood was industrious and creative, marked by hands deep in the earth, a keen eye for hidden beauty, and a father who inspired me to be different and to make something out of nothing. Fiercely self-taught, I am a devoted student of classical technique who found the walls of galleries to be my most formative classroom. I observed, analyzed, and absorbed lessons from artists such as Michelangelo, Monet, and John Singer Sargent, layering my understanding with every sketch and canvas. My appetite for learning has never waned, and I continue to invest in workshops, fine art mastery programs, and professional artist associations to refine my craft. Over the years, life brought its own demands. During young adulthood, I focused on raising my family, with art becoming a quieter presence in the background. I later pursued a career in neuromuscular therapy, establishing a successful holistic health and sports pain management center. Following the 2008 financial crash, I shifted my business online, and during this period of uncertainty, my commitment to art reasserted itself. I kept creative expression alive by painting during live podcasts and weaving artistic insight into her coaching practice. Eventually, I returned fully to my first passion. With life obligations easing, I resumed painting with renewed dedication, continuing my studies through Art Business Academy, Milan Art Institute, and the New York Academy of Art.”

What inspires you?

“I select my subject matter based on a deep, soulful connection. When I feel a smile in my heart and a surge of inspiration, I am compelled to express that emotion through color and form. This connection is essential. For it is that spark that brings the image to life and shares its energy with others. The scenes I am drawn to are those that evoke love and peace within me. If a moment uplifts my spirit, it becomes worthy of being painted and shared. I am especially captivated by the language of color. The blues and greens that sing of ocean coasts, or the pinks and oranges that glow in a sunset, as seen in my piece ‘Harmony in the Last Glow.’ The energy of colors not only tells a story but also communicates emotion beyond words. Nature, wildlife, and sea life are profound sources of inspiration. I admire the sense of community and unconditional love these creatures embody, how they nurture and support their families, even across different species. This reminds me of the positive connections possible within humanity, encouraging us to seek ways to uplift and care for one another.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My work is a celebration of energy, the unseen force that animates life. Through her canvases, I tell uplifting stories meant to inspire hope and connection. Whether capturing the empathy of wildlife banding together or the profound emotion held in a portrait’s gaze, she imbues each piece with narrative and presence. Central to my work is a deep curiosity about the forces that animate life, the energy behind emotions, and the resilience found in wildlife and nature. I focus on capturing intangible energy that tells a story. Friends and collectors often note the vibrancy of her subjects’ eyes, the intensity of her brushstrokes, and the emotional depth woven into every piece. My work is driven by a desire to inspire and uplift others, encouraging the pursuit of one’s dreams.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work is a fusion of realism enriched with expressive freedom, primarily using oils and mixed media to explore and convey the mood of my subjects and compositions. Whether painting portraits of people, scenes from nature, or wildlife. I strive to capture the essence of their being, the sparkle in the eyes that reveals love, the intense gaze that signifies protection or deep thought. Each piece is an invitation to connect with the feelings and stories behind the faces and landscapes I portray.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Michelangelo, Monet, and John Singer Sargent.”

What is your creative process like?

“My process intertwines contemplation and layering. I build my surfaces with pure oils or blends of acrylics, inks, and pastels, allowing the work to evolve organically. This physical layering mirrors her own layered experience as a creator, reflecting growth, reflection, and discovery. My technique centers on the rich, buttery texture and depth that oil paints provide the work. I often begin the paintings with acrylics or pastels and then finally oils to build complex layers. Painting has been a personal journey that often reveals deeper insights into life’s challenges. I find joy in moments when a painting seems to tell me its own story, as brushstrokes flow freely and unexpected energy emerges from the background. Each piece becomes a teacher, revealing unique surprises and inviting me to see beyond the obvious.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“An artist expresses their voice through their artwork. I believe we can make a positive impact on society through our artwork. It heals and allows you to express your soul's true voice. The best half in my opinion of what being a part of humanity is all about. Through my art, I aim to share not just the visual likeness of my subjects but also the emotions and connections that enrich our experience of life. When not in my studio, I can be found tending my organic garden, practicing yoga, or walking along the beaches of Florida, drawing inspiration from the natural world’s quiet strength. To me, art is not only a means of survival but a path to thriving.”