Fine Artist
Jenny Buckner is seldom without her camera as she travels around Western North Carolina, always on the lookout for a subject for a painting.
Working from her photographs, Buckner applies her oil to canvas in a loose comfortable style suggestive of European impressionist painters.
Buckner especially enjoys her animal and portraiture work, which allow her to bring her subjects to life by incorporating their emotions and movement. “Capturing the soul of the person is important in my portrait work,” she says. “I try to recreate what I see in the person, not just their likeness. I feel successful when my paintings stir an emotional response in the viewer.”
Rapid River Magazine: What’s your favorite subject or subjects to paint?
Jenny Buckner: I love them all, but animals are my absolute favorite. The personality of the animal must shine through in the painting for me to be happy.
RRM: You capture a real honest beauty through barnyard animals. What initially drew you to paint chickens and cows and other domesticated animals?
JB: Domesticated animals are available and easy to identify with. They can be quirky, shy, friendly, coy, or even silly.
RRM: Do most of your paintings have a story behind them? If so tell us the story behind the geese. It’s such a wonderful painting, my personal favorite of your work.
JB: I’m always on the lookout for interesting photos with good light and intriguing subjects. The geese are from Lake Junaluska and can be a little intimidating at times if they feel you are in their space. I personally call them “The Geese Police.”
RRM: Do you have a personal favorite painting? What is it about that painting which makes it so?
JB: I have many favorites: ones of my children, my husband, my parents, and my own pets. I always look for great light and shadow in my paintings and a personal connection to the subject.
Jenny Buckner’s work can be seen at Twigs and Leaves Gallery, located in downtown Waynesville. The gallery features nature-related art and fine crafts.
Twigs and Leaves Gallery, “Where Art Dances with Nature,” 98 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC. Call (828) 456-1940 or go online to www.twigsandleaves.com.