03/14/2026
Our next Artist of the Month is Jamie Ward! Get to know Jamie, in her own words:
“Hello! My name is Jamie Ward, and I am an acrylic painter. I am the featured artist at the Frame Gallery in Athens, Alabama for the months of March and April. I love painting landscapes, flowers, pets, birds, and wildlife.
My painting journey began much later in life after I retired. I do not have a degree in art and am mostly self taught beyond a few initial art classes. When you haven’t drawn or been creative in a while, you must re-learn how to embrace that inner child who was not afraid to create a masterpiece with a blank piece of paper and crayons. Although, I am still terrible at drawing; painting does not always require that someone he gifted at drawing. I saw several One Stroke paintings and fell in love with that style. I became a Level 1 One Stroke Certified Instructor and taught One Stroke classes Michael’s in Decatur, Alabama, Madison Mercantile in Madison, Alabama, and several community centers within Madison County.
I also learn from numerous artists via YouTube. There are so many established artists who share tips and painting advice and encourage others to explore. Currently, I am a student of artist Jennifer Vranes. She focuses on textured paintings using palette knives and brushes. I really like paintings that include texture that you can see and feel. I am learning to paint more loosely and create on larger canvases. When you tell yourself you can and just let the paint flow from the brush or palette knife, it is a little like therapy. A very smoothing and relaxing experience.
Other artists I follow are Michelle Inglesias and David Jansen. Both are extremely talented but have very different styles. It is fun to experiment with different mediums, paints, and tools.
Several of my paintings were selected for juried art shows at the Festival of the Cranes Exhibits at the Alabama Center for the Arts in 2023, 2024, and 2025. I have also exhibited two of my paintings at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center’s Embracing Art for 2024 and 2025 in Decatur. You can find my art page on Facebook at Artful Expressions by Jam Jam.
Please stop by the Frame Gallery during March and April to view the exhibit. The Open House is scheduled for April 11, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with light refreshments served. At the Open House, you can meet me and also register for a free painting giveaway. You can register for the free painting anytime during the exhibit. I hope you find a piece of art you would like to hang in your home or purchase as a gift for someone else to enjoy! When you purchase something that is hand painted, you receive a gift that is unique and special. Tracie and her expert staff can recommend a perfect frame and/or mat to enhance your painting if desired.
I continue to emerge as an artist and art has opened my eyes to view colors more vibrantly and nature more vividly. I love sharing my vision of the beauty that surrounds us each day through my paintings.
When I am not painting or spending time with my husband, you can find me teaching morning yoga classes at the Athens Wellness Center. Yoga is another one of my post retirement enjoyments.”
Please share and stop by!
125 N Marion St, Downtown Athens
256-232-2302