Jocelyne T. Robert (née LaBelle)
Although some people call me an artist, I don’t see myself as one. I’ve always enjoyed drawing, ever since I was a little girl. I used to doodle a lot and then started drawing cartoons such as the Archie and Harvey Comics gangs (Jughead, Archie, Betty, Baby Huey, Little Dot, etc.) and then moved on to plush toys. While in high school, I learned to draw figureheads and still life pieces which helped improve my abilities and techniques in drawing. However, I always felt something was missing and drawing on bits of paper was not enough. I had always dreamed of becoming an artist and having a solo exhibition but lacked the confidence in myself and my work.
“Lambkin”, 2003, dry pastel on Canson Ingres paper, 25”w x 19”h, framed the painting measures about 39”w x 33”h, private collection.
So, after many years of disappointing career endeavours, I went back to school to hone my creative and artistic skills, hoping that I could learn to do something better with it. With that in mind, I went to Nipissing University where I earned my degree in Fine Arts and History and continued on to Laurentian University to complete a Bachelor of Education degree to become a teacher. Since then, I’ve been drawing and painting more often and have even sold my first piece.
"Miss Kitty", 2002, dry pastel on Canson Ingres paper, 25.5" x 19.5", unframed.
While a student at Nipissing University, under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Kelly, a renowned artist, I learned much about myself and my abilities in art. He showed me various art techniques used in oils, acrylics, watercolours and dry pastels and those favoured by different artists from a range of art periods. The artists whose works of art have truly inspired me are John Constable, Romantic period artist, and Edgar Degas, Impressionist period painter. Dr. Kelly taught me that with a little patience and much discipline, I can accomplish anything. He has often encouraged me to be more diverse, to try new styles, playing with values (light and shadows), mixing mediums and to see things from a different perspective. Over the years, I have grown more confident and happier with myself and my artistic abilities. I’ve also realized the importance and positive effects of working on my art pieces. It’s my way of relieving stress and anxiety as it helps me to relax while working at something that truly makes me happy. When I complete a painting, I feel a certain sense of accomplishment such as a job well done. I think it’s very important for everyone to do something that will give them that sense of fulfillment or to simply do what makes them happiest. Life’s too short to dwell on little insignificant things.
"Romance", 2002, dry pastel on Canson Ingres paper, 25.5" x 19.5", unframed. The book in the painting is one of my favorites - "The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux.
Although painting is fun, I also enjoy photography and writing as well. Ever since I was able to take pictures, I’ve been photographing everything from ants on the ground to the clouds in the sky and everything else in between! I especially enjoy photographing my flowers and plants in my flower garden including the birds that land in it. Sometimes, I use these photographs as subjects for my paintings.
"Marie and Jesus", 2002, dry pastel on Canson Ingres paper, 24-3/8" x 30-1/8", framed.
As for writing, this is a most recent development. For years, I have had ideas floating in my mind but never took the time to write them down. My high school English teacher, Ms. Jan Inglis, once told me that I had a lot of potential in writing. Well, since I enjoy reading so much, I figured why not give writing a chance. Now, I have finally started to put pen to paper and writing down my thoughts. Since then, I have been working on an adventure story for teenagers as well as trying my hand at poetry. I’m no Danielle Steele, but I can certainly try. Who knows, perhaps my works of literature might one day be published! You never know … unless you try.
Of all the art mediums I’ve worked with, I prefer working with dry pastels and photography the most but can work with all of them. My subject preferences are landscapes, animals, flowers and still life pieces such as plants and toys. In time, I hope to master my skills as a painter and as a photographer. Regardless, I will undoubtedly be happy working towards my goals!
Of all the art mediums I’ve worked with, I prefer working with dry pastels and photography the most but can work with all of them. My subject preferences are landscapes, animals, flowers and still life pieces such as plants and toys. In time, I hope to master my skills as a painter and as a photographer. Regardless, I will undoubtedly be happy working towards my goals!
Vernissage: May 5th 2013
"Blue Angel"
Dry pastel on Canson Ingres paper, 25.5" x 19.5"
2013
Dry pastel on Canson Ingres paper, 25.5" x 19.5"
2013