Portfolio – Paintings – Watercolor

Watercolor of an Ohio suburban golf green, collaged mat

Watercolor of an African farm field, collaged mat

Fez Roofs (1998)

Palais de Fez Rug Emporium (1998)

Baby Camel (1998)

Stilllife with Tea Glass (1998)

Aziz the Good Shepherd (1998) Gail and I were well aware how much we needed to rely on Aziz Kaf, our guide in Marrakech. He introduced us to the kind family of the El Gharib, Khalid and Kamal, owners of wondrous art galleries brimming with Moroccan treasures that we were free to paint and photograph for days.

Hayat Beautiful Vessel (1998) When we travelled to Fez, our connection with the El Gharib family continued, where Kamal welcomed us into his gallery and also introduced us to the proprietor of Palais de Fez, a combination of restaurant and rug emporium. We painted from the rooftop café, in the atrium showroom, in the vaults full of rugs. We also attended a dinner for the American Consul who was visiting from Rabath, showing our paintings. Hayat was one of the restaurant staff who kindly attended to me while I worked with my watercolors, bringing me tea and cakes through the afternoon. On a second visit to Fez she took my family to her home to meet her family, accompanied me to a hamam, and has corresponded with me like a sister since 1998.

Kamal and Hospitality (1998) When we travelled to Fez, our connection with the El Gharib family continued, where Kamal welcomed us into his gallery, fed us at lunchtime, and made sure that our days in Fez were comfortable and meaningful. His gift of time and friendship were treasures.

Call to Morning Prayer (1998) There are five calls to prayer in Morocco daily, and the muezzin climbs to the top of the minaret of his mosque to call in the faithful. The most marvelous of these serenades is the call that wakes us in the morning, and I’m told that the muezzin with the most tender, maternal tones is responsible for that call. Somewhere between a murmur and a croon, his voice interweaves with your dreams, and lulls you to wake.

Five Divertimenti for Solo Violin (2002) Composed by Frank Proto, performed by Eric Bates

Chamberworks 4, with Three Episodes from Ghost in Machine, The Creatures in Room 642, Four Rogues, and Lessons (2003) Composed by Frank Proto, recorded by Ensemble Sans Frontiere

Soundscapes for Solo Viola, composed by Frank Proto, performed by Scott Slapin (2004)

Four Scenes After Picasso (2000) composed by Frank Proto, performed by Frank and Francois Rabbath. The cover features an abstract portrait of Francois and Frank.

“The Cormorant Fisherman at Twin Lakes”, a gift to City Hall of Gifu, Japan (1999) On the occasion of the cultural exchange with Cincinnati’s Sister City by the School for Creative and Performing Arts, Jan created a montage of small watercolors that interpreted the bronze statue of a cormorant fisherman and his bird as they reside in Eden Park. The small watercolor paintings depict the park in different seasons.

Detail from “The Cormorant Fisherman at Twin Lakes”

The bronze statue of a fisherman and his cormorant bird on the fish basket, a gift from Gifu, Japan to Cincinnati.

Verdin Bell Company Historic Montage This detail from the lower right corner of a painting that included all of Verdin Bell’s major projects is a pictorial record of the company’s history.

Verdin Bell Company Historic Montage This detail from the upper center of a painting that included all of Verdin Bell’s major projects is a pictorial record of the company’s history.

Verdin Bell Company Historic Montage This detail from the upper right corner of a painting that included all of Verdin Bell’s major projects is a pictorial record of the company’s history.

Finished painting, “Jesus Calming the Waters” for the family room of St. Elizabeth Hospice

Detail of finished painting, “Jesus Calming the Waters” for the family room of St. Elizabeth Hospice

Detail of finished painting, “Jesus Calming the Waters” for the family room of St. Elizabeth Hospice

Chamber Orchestra Program Cover (1997) One of two cover paintings Jan created for the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

Smale Riverfront Park, Phase 1 (2011) Included in the painting created for dedication of Phase 1 of the Smale Riverfront Park are the Cincinnati skyline, Roebling Bridge, Moerlein Lager House, Event Lawn, Great Stairway and cascade, interactive fountain, Labyrinth, Women’s Garden, Black Brigade Monument, family swings and riverside walk.

Shriner Burns Institute (1991) Jan created the signature painting in the entrance lobby of the Cincinnati Shriners Burns Institute.

Scotland Plein Aire (1990)

Seaside Stilllife (1990)

She Koshare Weeds the Garden (2011)