Jack Stern captures the natural beauty of landscapes on canvas.

He is known for his amazing ability to capture perfectly lit skies, water reflections and mountain views.

Encouraged by his grandmother, Jack began oil painting when he was just fourteen years old and within a few months started formal art instruction in San Diego, California. He sold his first piece at sixteen launching a lifelong career in art.

Jack returned to his home state of Colorado in 1976 and opened an art gallery in Silverton. He bartered a painting for a donkey and a mule and then headed into the high Rockies for extended plein air painting treks.

Over the years, Jack has received numerous awards in California, Colorado and North Carolina – most recently Artist of the Year from the Art League of Henderson County, several Awards of Excellence in Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park and the Best in the Leagues and the Best in Oils from The Bascom in Highlands.

Jack still enjoys paint trips out west but currently lives with his wife in a remote cabin in western North Carolina near the Black Balsam Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If You Go: Jack Stern will be at Twigs and Leaves Gallery for Art After Dark, Friday, July 3, 2015, from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy piano music and delight in the savory hors d’eurves. Twigs and Leaves Gallery, 98 North Main Street, Waynesville. Open Monday through Saturday 10-5:30; Sundays, 1-4. (828) 456-1940 www.twigsandleaves.com