We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my wedding art business because I saw a need for museum quality artwork to commemorate weddings and I knew I had the skills to create art of that caliber. I also enjoy getting out of my studio and joining in a wedding celebration to entertain the guests. I like the immediate live feedback on my paintings. It is a challenge to incorporate so many of my skills, including photography for painting reference, computer graphics to create a layout and traditional painting to create the finished piece.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I care very deeply about creating paintings that the wedding couples who hire me will treasure and enjoy. During the early part of the wedding, I take photos of them in the pose of their choice and give them input on how to pose for the best effect. I show them previews of the photos on a large monitor attached to my tripod so they can pick which photo they like best for me to work from. I give it my all to capture the feeling between them. With tiny brushes I add details that will capture their likenesses and of course make the dress look beautiful!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The beach is always inspiring and peaceful. Mostly I’d encourage them to accompany me to all the art museums! There’s nothing like seeing the artwork in person. JPEG’s on a screen or pictures in a book could never compete with the real art piece in front of you.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank my family for helping me to have the art career I have today. My mother Judy and I worked together for many years. She was my promoter, salesperson and biggest cheerleader. She never let me quit and always encouraged me from the time I was little to keep honing my craft. My Aunt Julia Greenwood was an amazing painter. During my teens the lessons in art she gave me propelled me to new levels. My brother Mark has helped me with the tech support side of my business with his vast computer knowledge. My father, Jack instilled a work ethic and a spirit of determination in me that keeps me going and creating art. He roots for my success!

Website: https://jesspernafineart.com

Instagram: jesspernafineart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessPernaFineArt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JessPerna-n9l

Image Credits
I took all the photos.

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