Jerry Van and Janice Rae with "My Friend Charlie"

Jerry Van grew up in Lakewood, Colorado. His irrepressible urge to draw the things that interested him has steered him gradually toward the success he is just now beginning to enjoy. During his four years in the Air Force Van augmented his art exposure sought from books and museums with independent study in Asia and Europe.

After the Air force, Van began working in fine art foundries, first in Loveland then in Sante Fe. Building armatures for well known and highly successful sculptors only stoked Van’s desire to find his own creative voice. In 1999, a classically trained painter from Romania, Laila Ionesco was painting at the Domani Foundry and Studio in Sante Fe, where Van worked. She noticed Van’s rapt interest, let him watch her for about an hour, and then set up a still life for him to paint.

A combination of good guidance and Van’s prior drawing experience made him a natural. He has painted full-time for the past 7 years, selling steadily via referral from collectors and other informal channels.

For more information about Jerry and his art:
Review of Jerry Van's Art by Wolfgang Marby
"Wonders of Nature" Art Show
Introduction to Jerry's friend, Charlie
"One Night in January"
Contact Jerry Van