mount dora artist steals the show

1/30/2017

Artist Jane Slivka (photo by Trish Morgan, Mount Dora Buzz)

Jane Slivka was born to be at the beach, but there was a problem. She lived landlocked in the Midwest.

Originally from Ohio, Slivka longed for the ocean shore which she saw in her mind’s eye and now realizes on canvas. Her paintings, normally oversized works of layered acrylics, are a visual trip to a calming, tropical environment.

In her early years, Slivka was a watercolorist and while studying in Florence for a semester, she was inspired by the region’s rich historical art and and vast landscapes. Upon trying acrylics, the artist was enthralled by the vibrant colors and the ability to layer the medium to create texture.

Slivka stumbled onto the Mount Dora art scene in 2004 and quickly made a name for herself. She set up a studio and gallery in Mount Dora's charming historic downtown, which she has called home ever since.

The artist draws inspiration from everyday scenes at Florida's beaches and the many forms of light to be found there, and from her intense connection with people. A trip to her working studio and gallery provides an overview of her bold works, ranging from landscapes to still lifes.   The space is non-intimidating and visitors are typically greeted by the paint-brush-wielding, gregarious blonde.

Slivka exhibits at some of the best East-Coast and Midwest art shows. Her work is displayed at the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, as well as countless galleries.   She has long been accepted on Florida's premier art festival circuit, including New Smyrna Beach's Images Festival in January and Mount Dora Art Festival the first weekend in February.   She will also be at Vero Beach Art Festival and a Saint Petersburg show in Vinoy Park.

To share her knowledge, Slivka holds painting workshops for groups in Mount Dora and across the Southeast and Midwest for novice and experienced painters.

Slivka's work will be available for viewing at Mount Dora Art Festival (February 4 and 5, downtown Mount Dora) in booth #D-114 on Donnelly Street.

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