Jean Roberts is a full time artist that specializes in coastal art. Her art can be found on home decor items, t-shirts, paintings and of course coloring books. Her beautiful coastal art immediately makes you long for a beach with its realistic and vibrant style.
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Let’s Get to Know Jean Roberts
Do you remember the first thing that you drew and, if so, what was it?
The first thing I remember drawing was an indian in a headdress! I still have drawings I did when I was in first grade.
Do you have any formal art training or are you self taught?
I was always in art classes in regular school and I do have an Associates Degree in Art. When I was 13 years old I joined a local painting studio where I learned how to paint with oils and acrylics. I moved on to running my own art studio where I taught painting and drawing to students 9 to 90.
What are your favorite things/topics to draw/illustrate?
I love working from my imagination to create my mermaids. My favorite activity now is taking pictures while at the beach or traveling and creating images from my own photographs. Palm trees and birds etc. Mostly tropical or beach theme designs.
Where do you create your drawings? Can you describe what your work space looks like?
My studio is located in a spare room at the back of my home. I am lucky to have large windows to see the tropical gardens in my backyard. I have a combination of drawing space and painting spaces. I like going back and forth between the two mediums.
Let’s take a peek at Jean’s studio!
What is your drawing process like? Do you prefer to finish a drawing in one sitting, work on it over a number of sittings or do you switch between drawings that you are working on? Or do you do something else?
I enjoy creating the pencil sketch first. Then I let it rest, and come back to tweak it here and there. Once I am happy with it then I ink in the design.
Do you listen to music while you illustrate, if so, what are your musical tastes?
I enjoy listening to a variety of music. I have Pandora on my computer so I let it play a collection of stations. If it is something I’m not in the mood for I push forward. My stations include a fun mix of Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Burt Bacharach, Gino Vannelli, Earth Wind and Fire, Enya … yep, I’m a nut! hahaha
I also enjoy listening to a variety of audio books. Mostly personal development.
Does your work space/environment influence your art work at all?
Most definitely! I have a large set of sliding doors and a large window to enjoy my view. I am always taking breaks to watch the birds, butterflies, and lizards in my garden and tiki bar. With the sliding door available it is easy for me to walk outside.
Jean’s Tiki Bar – this looks so relaxing!
You have published a coloring book/s please tell us what drew you to the coloring book market and a bit about your book and your inspiration for it
I wanted to get back into the line drawing and graphic side of art. I have been creating a lot of painted works and I missed working with pencil and ink. When I discovered groups that were creating coloring books I jumped in head first!
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Jean has published a Coastal themed coloring book, Color Coastal Art, in both A4 size and travel size versions
What do you look forward to doing in the next 6 months in the coloring world?
I am working on designs for my new Florida Wildlife book! T-shirt designs and greeting cards are also in the works. I love being able to share my images in so many ways.
Jean prints her designs on t-shirts and paints them
What was the feeling like when you first seen your artwork published in a coloring book?
I was so excited! I’ve never been published at this scale before. Just knowing that someone on the other side of the world can order my artwork is amazing to me.
What did it feel like to see your artwork colored in by someone else?
It is always fun to see what others will do with my designs. It amazes me the color choices that they utilize. So different from my own original idea. I never get tired of it!
Do you color as well illustrate/draw/publish books?
I do more painting of my designs than coloring them. I like creating mixed media projects with my images. I have video projects showing the process. I use Mod Podge and acrylic paints to create fun decor items. I have also held live workshops with small groups to create these, like a sip and paint party!
It can be very difficult managing day to day life as well as publishing a coloring book. Can you tell us about your daily routine and how you manage your time?
I don’t work a nine to five job so I don’t have a regular schedule. That can be both a blessing and a curse! I try to wake up early so I have more time in my day. I have discovered that at different
times of day I am more productive at certain activities.
If it’s not on my calendar it doesn’t get done, I’m not overly organized as far as creating new designs. If you aren’t in the mood you won’t create nice images.
Publishing can be a creative and a chaotic experience with a lot of learning curves along the way. Tell us the best and worst experiences that you have had creating your coloring book
The worst experience I had was discovering all of my weaknesses as far as using the drawing programs to clean up my images. Also I am not knowledgeable about the proper layout etc. I didn’t think I was ever going to get my projects finished!
Thank goodness I discovered that it is easy to hire the proper support so I can focus on what I’m good at and let others help me along with the rest. Now I have a team I can rely on to help me complete my books and other projects.
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 Jean also sells her art on t-shirts ready for you to color in and wear!
What is your favorite treat/reward for a job well done?
Happy dance followed by a cocktail at my tiki bar in the backyard!
Connect with Jean on Social Media
Visit Jean’s Website, Cocoa Beach Art here to see more of her coastal art.
Beautiful work in a beautiful setting.
I know! I was looking at that Tiki bar wondering how Jean gets anything done at all. I could quite imagine curling up there and relaxing for a few days or more! Her art reminds me of the Sunshine Coast in Australia (one of my fave places for a holiday) – so relaxing! Happy coloring x