About Janet


 "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was." - Richard L. Evans
"No one can go back and make a brand new start, my friend, but anyone can start from here and make a brand new end." - Dan Zandra
"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere." - Agnes Repplier

I am a 4th generation Californian relocated to Illinois, with a passion for art. My artistic ability was undiscovered until I traveled around the world for 2 1/2 years, experiencing other cultures and visiting museums showcasing the masters, after dropping out of my first year of college. When I returned to America I tried drawing a native American in full head dress. I was shocked that my drawing looked identical to the photo. I then realized I had a talent I was totally unaware of and I changed my major from Social Work to Art. I eventually completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design with a concentration in Illustration from San Jose State University, by working my way through (since my dad took college away for dropping out of school). After graduation I pursued a career in logo design, illustration and marketing, running my own business. However, at some point life got in the way. I lost design/art for over ten years. I was constantly asking myself how this happened and so disappointed that I had lost my passion.

Then on Christmas Day of 2014 I discovered it was not lost and that creativity does not dissipate with time, when I started hand-painting art on my new tablet. (100 digital paintings on website). I have been painting with acrylics on canvas since 2017, and this is the medium I enjoy the most. Nature in so many forms inspires me. There is a natural symmetry and balance that is inherent in nature. I love beautiful things. Beauty is a gift we have all been given.

Living my entire life as an adopted person with no knowledge of my ancestry, I did my best to fit in and felt extremely loved by my adopted family. However, there was always a deep-seeded insecurity of feeling like an impostor, since I knew I  did not actually have the same biological roots as my family. I had a hole inside that could never be filled. Recently I had my genetics analyzed and discovered that I am 79% Norwegian, 8% Swedish, 8% Scottish, 3% Irish and 2% English. (This breakdown changes when new results come in.) I now know my own roots, and perhaps my love of the ocean and propensity for adventure stems from my ancestors from Nordfjord, Hardanger & Sunnfjord Norway,  southern coastal regions in Norway. I no longer have to fake it any longer. I am mostly Scandinavian, and I can feel proud of my roots, like everyone else. Perhaps a little Viking blood? No one else in my family had any Norwegian or Swedish heritage, so this was quite a shock for me. Never again will my reply to the question of what my ancestry is be: Well, I'm adopted, so I have no idea.

I am inspired by the majesty and the exquisite balance of nature; especially bodies of water such as the Pacific Ocean (the California coastline near where I grew up in Los Altos, being my favorite), Lake Michigan, sunsets and sunrises, reflections and things that are intriguing, beautiful and eye-catching. My style has evolved through the years and blends my love of nature with a bold, graphic style. We are all unique with our own original perspectives which should be embraced. There is a division in America that is very sad and negative. I choose to focus on the beauty in life, which is exemplified in nature. If you would like to bring some of this peacefulness and serenity into your home or office, message me. We are all spending much more time indoors in this pandemic. We need to focus on the positive.  

A special thanks to those awesome people who have given me encouragement and support along the way, especially my family. I am Janet and these are my creations. All my art is signed as Latshaw, which is my maiden name. Please like and share my Facebook page and let me know if you have a question or if you have questions about purchasing a canvas, print or other product. Prices can be negotiable. Thanks!!

The artist behind the work

Shown in my garage/studio, after completing my first in the series of large 6'/3'/1 1/2" canvases, in 2017.
After starting my acrylic paintings berets magically began appearing on my head
I look totally different in every photo. Different angles. Who am I? 
Once discovering that I was 75% Scandinavian, my hair suddenly turned platinum. What??