Jacquie Tjandra

Winter Waves

Winter Waves, 10 x 30 Oil

I have loved drawing and painting since I was a young child. As a teen I spent hours drawing portraits or sketching the rocky shores of Newfoundland. My first career aspiration was to become a working artist but opportunities to pursue that dream were not available to me when I was a young woman starting out in life. I chose a more practical career as a social worker and worked in that role until I retired a few years ago. However, in the nooks and crannies of my life between a demanding job and raising two daughters, I always pursued art.

In the 1990’s I attended OCAD part-time and completed about 5 semesters of courses towards a BFA. Although I couldn’t sustain the demands of school, work, and family life and so didn’t complete the degree, I gained a excellent foundation of knowledge and experience upon which to build my technical skills as an artist. I have been a member of the Art Guild of Scarborough for over 30 years and I have benefited greatly from the knowledge of my artist colleagues and the wonderful demonstrators we have had over the years. 

Since semi-retiring, art has again become front and centre in my life (along with five amazing grandchildren) and painting scenes of Newfoundland is still my favourite way to express my love for the outdoors although I also enjoy painting Georgian Bay and other natural settings in Ontario as well. In addition to landscapes and seascapes, I recently returned to drawing in pencil and charcoal and I’m now back to doing portraiture of both people and pets. I am available for commissions.

Still Life with Strawberries

Still Life with Strawberries, 9 x 12 Oil on Canvas Board

Kelly's Island

Kelly’s Island in Winter Sun, 8 x 8 Oil on Canvas

Watch Out for Granny

Watch Out for Granny, 8 x 10 Charcoal on Grey Toned Paper