by John H. Watson

A highly esteemed and much sought-after painter of wildlife, landscapes, and seascapes, Jessann has, for better than thirty years, created compositions which grace the homes, offices, and estates of private collectors throughout the world.

“But on one man's soul it hath broke,
A light that doth not depart
And his look, or a word he hath spoken,
Wrought flame in another man's heart.”
Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy (1844–1881), British poet. Ode

Possessed of an incontrovertible and most singular talent that empowers her to not only faithfully capture the perceivable reality of a subject or a scene, but blessed moreover with an innate sensitivity that enables her to embody an embryo of the spiritual essence which underlies as well as the emotions awakened by that which, in the truest sense, is alive, Jessann is able to create paintings that, while retaining an objective fidelity to that which eye beholds, transcend mere photographic or graphic portrayals.

The biographical information which follows was not as easily obtained as one might imagine. It would seem that our illustrious painter is both loathe to grant interviews and is manifestly discomforted by the slightest allusion to or hint of celebrity. I discovered, however, that any preconceived notions that I may have formed, as a result of her reticence, of an individual tinged, perhaps, by the twin brushes of vanity and conceit were quickly dispelled when finally we met.

Upon my arrival at the address provided, I was surprised to gaze upon a wee cottage, utterly devoid of pretense and adornment (not unlike its inhabitants), hedged on all sides by a diversity of botanical and biological species, the exact juxtaposition of which was heretofore unknown to me. I identified great oaks awash in acorns, cherry bushes and crabapple trees abounding with fruits in varying stages of maturation or decay, grape vines, all manner of flowers, bushes, berries, and vines—far more than my mind could easily categorize. Although the forest of vegetation, (which was clearly lovingly tended and well-maintained), continued well beyond the confines of the dwelling, I did observe that in a clearing to the rear of the house lay a strawberry patch and a vegetable garden.

(During the course of our conversation, I made bold to share with my hostess my astonishment at her choice of lodgings. [Although without question the epitome of comfort and convenience, my expectations were of a much grander edifice in keeping, perhaps, with her success and prominence.] Preceded by a warm laugh and faraway look, her reply was that this simple cottage was, and had been for the best part of their lives, home. It was here that their children and the love of a man and a woman reached maturity. The walls of these love-filled rooms once reverberated with laughter, while the hardwood floors were washed many times over by their teardrops. Each room was furnished with far more than the practicalities of life; each room contained the irreplaceable memories of lives lived and love shared. She ended by stating that their needs were few and their wants fewer still. They were, in her words, content.)

From the pathway that guided my steps to the entrance of the cottage, I encountered a swiftly vanishing array of wildlife. Young rabbits chased one another, leaping and cavorting, around a lilac bush; a squirrel, stretched to full length on the bough of an old oak, basked in the sun-dappled shade; a chipmunk, peeking from between the leaves of an azalea, warily watched my every move while a yearling, seemingly lost in thought, licked a mineral block; and the birds were of such diversity and profuseness that I, being unaware of their presence in such numbers, was somewhat startled by their departure. It was readily apparent that the greater portion of the vegetation was provided for their benefit.

To my delight, I was greeted by a lady of utter charm, obvious humility, and a self-deprecating sense of humor. While her passion for painting was evident throughout our conversation, she adamantly refused to discuss any and all personal and professional accolades. She, instead, emphasized that she is first and foremost a devoted Christian as well as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her talent as a painter is esteemed not as an achievement worthy of praise, but as an unmerited gift of God.

Through brief interludes with various friends and family members, I learned that Jessann began painting as a child and that these paintings were freely distributed as gifts. It was by means of these gifts that she began receiving, while yet a teenager, commissions. Although in no way premeditated, thus began a career based upon a love of God's creation and made possible by a talent freely given of God coupled with His providence.

Principally self-taught, Jessann did, as a youth, gratefully enjoy the tutelage of her father—renowned Western painter, Harold A. Smith. Her unbounded appreciation of and respect for Mr. Smith is a topic that once broached is not soon exhausted. With tear-filled eyes, she informed me that it was the late Mr. Smith who refined, nourished, and cultivated that which God so freely gave. It was he who cut and polished the rough gem that it might reflect, howsoever dimly, the glory of God.

She has, throughout her distinguished career, painted almost exclusively on a commission basis, and this, not by design, but as a result of unrelenting demand. As a consequence of a perfectionist bent, a virtual obsession with detail, typically complex subject matter, and extensive research, she accepts, on average, between two and six commissions in a given year.

Due to the feel, texture, and visual perspective rendered, she paints soley with oils and those applied by brush. While she does not eschew other mediums or methods of application, it is with an oil-daubed palette in one hand and a brush ensconced in the other that she is most comfortable.

To this devoted wife of 36 years, mother of two, and grandmother of five, we are, indeed, appreciative beyond words for her love of and dedication to our beloved Lord, her lifetime of service and self-sacrifice, her grace and benevolence, as well as her generous support of this ministry.

Thank you, Jessann. May our Lord ever bless you as you have so wondrously blessed us.