Jan was born in Gosford NSW in 1935. She spent her formative years in Bathurst NSW where she attended school. Jan’s first artistic endeavors were thwarted when her teacher discovered that she had spent most of her school year drawing in the back of her school book. Like many families of the time Jan’s moved from the country to the big smoke, Sydney, in the pursuit of regular employment. Put on hold until her children were of school age, Jan’s art career then began in earnest.

Jan’s tutor of many years was Janine Bravery OA (for her commitment to the furthering of art and artists). Under Janine’s tutorage Jan found herself drawn to water colour and a whole world of new opportunities opened up for her as she explored the unpredictability of water colour.

Jan was asked to teach at the Kuring-Gai Art Centre at Roseville in Sydney where she encouraged the students to enjoy outdoor painting in the beautiful bush of the Lane Cove and Kuring-Gai area. For many years Jan was retained by the Sturt University, Bathurst for their continuing art program in both summer and winter schools. Jan also taught at Forrestville Art Centre. Jan became a much respected water colour artist, teacher and judge before leaving Sydney to live in Canberra ACT.

In Canberra Jan has won a number First prizes in shows for the Art Society of Canberra and has been one of the judges chosen to judge the art section of the Royal Agricultural Show four years out of the seven she has lived here. Jan spent six years as the Research Editor with the Australian Artist Magazine and continues to contribute articles on water colour painting.

Jan continues to be excited and inspired by water colour and its unpredictability and enjoys sharing this excitement with her pupils. Jan’s love of the Australian landscape keeps her creative juices flowing as she paints Canberra and the surrounding region. When the weather ties her to the studio she returns to her old love of flowers and still life painting. Jan exhibits in her studio and in other locations in Canberra and the surrounding region on a regular basis.