In the world of art, few places are as steeped in legend as the sun-drenched landscape of Provence. For over three decades, American Impressionist painter Jill Steenhuis has called this corner of the South of France home, her life and work becoming inextricably linked with the very earth, light, and history that inspired Paul Cézanne. Through her vibrant paintings created en plein air , Steenhuis invites viewers into a world of color, emotion, and a deep, almost spiritual connection to nature.
Her journey from a Fine Arts graduate in Virginia to a renowned, permanent resident painter in Aix-en-Provence is a testament to her dedication to capturing the emotional and spiritual vibrancy of the natural world. A Journey to Provence: The Formative Years
Her journey is chronicled in her book, Art, Soul & Destiny: An Artist's Journey from America to Provence , and the documentary film Painting the Invisible . About Jill Steenhuis - Art in Provence
"Sit," she said, pointing to a velvet armchair in the corner. "Don't talk. I need to listen."
Steinhaus's paintings are characterized by their bold colors, intricate textures, and dynamic compositions. Her work often features fragmented figures, faces, and bodies, which she uses to explore themes of identity, emotion, and human connection. Steinhaus's art is deeply rooted in her own experiences and emotions, which she translates onto canvas through a process of intuitive and expressive mark-making.
Nestled in the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France, far from her birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia, artist has spent over four decades cultivating a profound, impressionistic dialogue with the scenery that once inspired Paul Cézanne. Steenhuis is not merely a painter of landscapes; she is an artist who captures the "invisible" energy—the soul—of Provence through vibrant, en plein air oil paintings.
Encouraging artists to use all their senses to activate their "inner poetry".
A documentary film featuring Steenhuis and her sculptor son, Sergio Ruffato, which explores their creative processes and the heritage of French art. Educational Outreach: