Born and raised in a small town just outside of Macon called Gray, GA, Jessica Blanton relocated to Statesboro to go to school and, like so many others who fall in love with our area, never left. "I went to Georgia Southern University. I got my Bachelors Degree in English Literature, then I went on to get my Masters in Secondary Education. Now I am working on my Specialist degree in Instructional Technology. I will be done with my Specialist in May," Blanton says.
Just as many people discovered a new talent or hobby during the quarantine days of 2020, Blanton was inspired to try something new.
"I have always enjoyed being creative, but I have not always been an artist. Like most people I got pretty bored during the COVID shut down, and at that time we only had one kid. She kept me busy, but I needed something else to keep me busy," Blanton explains. "I began drawing a friend's new house and tried painting it. She loved it, and then shared my drawing on her Facebook page, and it really just took off from there."
The favorable response Blanton received was the catalyst for her current side business, Jessica Blanton Art.
"Jessica Blanton Art launched in the summer of 2020. I had always dreamed of sharing my artwork with others," Blanton says. "I love drawing house portraits for people because I always learn about such sweet stories and memories related to the house. One house I painted recently, I had three different people ask me to paint the house. The lady who lived in that home was a very special grandmother, mother, and friend to many, and although I had never met this woman, I felt like I caught a glimpse into how special she was to so many."
While Blanton started out painting renditions of houses, she has branched out to include Christmas ornaments and holiday pieces, unique coastal items and landscapes, watercolors reflecting collegiate life at Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia, and so much more.
"My main focus is watercolor home portraits," she says. "I am working more on landscapes and acrylic painting as well, and I plan to launch a new collection by the spring time with a focus on coastal scenes."
Blanton and her husband, Daniel, have two children: a daughter and a son. She credits much of her success to the support she receives from her family.
"Daniel has always been supportive of my dream to be an artist and encourages me to branch out with my artwork. He really encouraged me to start sharing my artwork online more in order to hopefully start selling my art. I am so thankful to have a supportive family for my little side business that has really helped my dream of being and artist come to life!"
Blanton has a love for others and revels in the joy her artwork brings to others.
"My favorite thing about painting is the happiness it brings others when they look at the artwork. I love to hear that a house portrait is now hanging in their family living room, or that I was able to capture something in a way that evokes some emotion. My overall goal is to shine a light for others."
Faith is the compass that guides Blanton in her everyday life, and informs her art and how she uses her gifts to serve the community.
"My favorite Bible verse is from Matthew 5:14-16 and it says, 'You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.' Ultimately, I want to share this talent that God has given me in such a way that I can be a light for as many people as possible," she says.
2024 will be a year of growth for Jessica Blanton Art. A website is in the works to supplement Blanton's social media pages, as well as plans to offer collections in addition to individual works. Blanton hopes to find a niche in Bulloch County as more people become aware of the heirlooms she offers.
"My goal is to create a local brand of artwork in Statesboro. I want to share new collections and create unique paintings for people's homes," she says. "I want to continue taking commissions for house portraits, as that is my absolute favorite subject to paint."
For more information, follow @JessicaBlantonArt on Instagram and Facebook. Blanton can also be reached via email at [email protected].
