70 Dartmoor Villagers captured by local artist – in oils.
How painting portraits of Belstone residents taught an American about Dartmoor life
When the 2020 pandemic and subsequent lockdown hit the U.K, Californian artist Jeannine Jourdan decided to put her considerable skills to a good cause. She would endeavour to paint as many of the villagers as possible, and the proceeds raised by sales would be donated to Belstone. A graduate of California Institute of the Arts and more recently of the Italian based Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, she was ideally trained to undertake such a project. Jeannine has held exhibitions in her home county of Marin, near San Francisco at various venues and galleries. She was following in the footsteps of her mother and grandfather who were also successful artists.
“As a blow-in, and a relatively recent newcomer to Belstone it was a great way of getting to know fellow villagers, and also of benefitting the village through picture sales and donations. Originally, I had hoped to paint all the residents – about 250 – but that proved impossible.” In May, after two year’s hard work, the portraits will be exhibited around Belstone.
Exhibition dates: 4th/5th/6th May 2024
Venues:
Belstone Village Hall, St Mary’s Church – Open: 10.00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Methodist Chapel, The Old School Tearoom – Open: 2. p.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Parking: Belstone car park opposite the village hall.
FREE ENTRY
All portraits are for sale. Sitters have first refusal.
Donations and Contributions
Donations to the village organisations involved, or contributions to the artist, will be gratefully received:
