BORN: Quincy, MA.
ART EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from U.C. at Santa Barbara. Studies with watercolor artist Joe McFadden and oil/acrylic artist Kelly Rysavy. A lot of exploring and self-teaching.
STYLE OF WORK: Realistic, impressionistic oil and acrylic paintings of landscapes, seascapes, and sea-life with a minimalist approach.
FIRST ART SALE: I donated three pieces of my artwork to an auction for hospice and received forty percent back from the selling price.
SECOND-CHOICE CAREER: None whatsoever.
OTHER PASSIONS: Anything outside. I love to travel and spend time with my family.
TYPICAL WORK SCHEDULE: I paint whenever I can. Sometimes I’m a morning person, or an afternoon person, or an evening person. When I get motivated, I paint.
MANTRA OR MOTTO: Moderation in moderation. Energy creates energy.
SECRET TO SUCCESS SO FAR: Persistence and constant recommitment to all endeavors. Don’t focus so much on the product but enjoy the process.
FAVORITE STUDIO MUSIC: Seal, Sting, Smooth Jazz.
BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Block in all your colors and get rid of the white background.
PET PEEVE: When my paintbrushes lose their edge. A messy art studio.
FAVORITE ARTWORK: Vincent Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, or Winslow Homer.
NEXT BIG GOAL: My next painting. Be a gallery owner.
CREATIVE SPARK: Life. Take a look outside--it’s all around us.
PRICE RANGE: $100 TO $2,500.
GALLERIES: ArtisTree, Tallahassee, FL; On The Way Gallery, Tallahassee, FL; Humidity Gallery, Tallahassee, FL.
ART SHOWS: Carrabelle Art Festival, Apalachicola Seafood Festival, Artopia- Tallahassee, FL, Havana Art Festival, SouthWoodStock Music & Arts Festival, Riverfest- New Smyrna Beach, FL, Flagler Avenue ArtWalk- New Smyrna Beach, FL, Uncorked-Flagler Ave Food and Wine Festival- New Smyrna Beach, FL, Venetian Bay Fall Art Festival- New Smyrna Beach, FL, The Flamingo Follies- New Smyrna Beach, FL.
CURRENTLY EXHIBITING: Humidity Gallery and Paula’s Cabana Cafe- Tallahassee, FL.

CONTACT:
3041 Obrien Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32309
Home: 850-668-3591
Cell: 850-591-4974
E-mail: jarooks@gmail.com

New Smyrna Beach, acrylic on board, 40" X 40"