Jill Brinser of Hermione Paints has shown her stunning artwork at Mulberry Art Studios three years in a row during the We Love Our Pets Exhibit, but this June she will be filling the gallery space with a collection all her own- Elements and Personalities, Realistic Still Lifes and Portraits by Hermione Paints. The show opens with a First Friday Reception on June 4 from 5pm-9pm at Mulberry Art Studios, 21 North Mulberry Street in historic downtown Lancaster.
After 28 years of design and advertising, Jill Brinser seized an opportunity to reinvent herself as an acrylic painter. In late 2018, she rekindled a long-ignored passion for fine art. A resident of Elizabethtown, PA, Jill has shown her work at area shows and businesses and keeps a running list of styles and subjects to explore. She holds a BFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University. Jill is an active member of the Hershey Area Art Association and identifies her work under the name Hermione Paints.
"I’m fascinated by details that often go overlooked" says Brinser, "reflections, highlights and shadows and textures that reveal the quirks of the everyday. I’m drawn to still lifes and portraits for the challenge of capturing an object or a person in a new way, drawing out details that give life to the subject. The hallmark of my painting is a strong color theme with saturated, heavy-body paints to draw out those unique qualities. I like to experiment with a colorful underpainting, because I love the surprise of seeing those colors peek through the layers. Most times I paint larger than life, cropping in tightly, as if you could reach in and touch the subject. At first, my work may look like a photo, but I intentionally incorporate subtle brushstrokes and imperfections as a reminder that the composition is MY interpretation of real life rather than a replica of it. I get enjoyment when people realize my paintings aren’t photos, that they aren’t what they THINK they see. And the real joy for me is if my art stirs a good memory or simply makes someone smile.”
"I was excited to be invited to exhibit at Mulberry Art Studio, because it gave me a reason to work through some of my "list to try". I wasn’t sure how all of my ideas would relate to one another, but I knew that with each painting, I was revealing something meaningful to me. The glint in an eye, the reflection on a favorite bottle of wine, the shine on a classic car—I love drawing out these tiny details that give life to a subject and its story. After completing 17 still lifes, I noticed commonalities among them—the objects fell into categories of metal, glass, food or nature, and they became Part 1, “Elements.” Part 2 of this show is the “Personalities” portrait series. I took on a study of six people I know, and my goal was to capture the essence of the person, highlighting their distinctive features that make you want to look and know more. I wanted to challenge myself with different ages, expressions, characteristics, skin tones and textures. Painting 23 canvases in 10 months was a fun way to pass the time during an uncertain year. I think it’s best to see them in person. My hope is that people will come out and support the area businesses and stop by the studio!"
For more information and directions to the gallery please visit www.mulberryartstudios.com. See more from this fantastic artist at
