Janis Graves Pastels and Oils

Janis Graves was born in 1951 and grew up in Bellevue, Washington. Since childhood her world has been one of color and texture brought on by the beauty of land and sea. The high school years offered an array of art related classes and a devoted group of teachers that strived to create interest. They offered such classes as "Illustration" and "Commercial Art" as well as the standard "Drawing and Painting."

After two decades of growth with her family, Janis has been free to devote to her art. She has worked in both acrylic and oil, but has found nothing more immediate and vibrant as pastels.

She has had the opportunity to take classes and workshops from an array of fine artists.
She has taken several classes at the The Gage in Seattle (formerly the Seattle Academy of Fine Arts) and
oil and/or pastel workshops from admirable artists such as Ned Meuller, Dorothy Lampl, Jennifer Deihl, Bill Hosner, Susan Ogilvie, and Kitty Wallis, just to name a few.

She is a member of the Women Painters of Washington, ArtistsConnect and a signature member of the Northwest Pastel Society.


Juried Shows
Women Painters of Washington Exhibit, Tacoma,WA 2009
Art & Soul Award
Northwest pastel Society Int'l Exhibit, Tacoma, WA 2009
Arts Council of Snohomish, Clocks and Crows Exhibit, Everett, WA 2009
Arts of the Terrace, Mountlake Terrace,WA 2008
First Place and Best of Show
Northwest Pastel Society Int'l Exhibit,Tacoma, WA 2008
Past Presidents Award
On Wings Bird Show, Edmonds, WA 2007
Edmonds Art Festival, Edmonds, WA 2007
Scott Milo Gallery, Anacortes,WA 2007
Art of our Mothers, Edmonds, WA 2006 
Clymer Museum, Ellensburg, WA 2006
WA State Convention Center, Seattle, WA 2006
Edmonds Art Festival, Edmonds, WA 2006
Ideation Gallery, Olympia, WA 2005
Arts of Snohomish Gallery, Everett, WA 2004
Blue Heron Gallery, Walla Walla, WA 2004
Roby King Gallery, Bainbridge Is, WA 2003
Harbor Point Gallery, Gig Harbor, WA 2002

Galleries and Exhibitions
Cole Gallery, Edmonds, WA
Firdale Gallery, Shoreline. WA
Eastshore Gallery, Bellevue, WA
Point Elliott Gallery, Mukilteo, WA
Kaewyn Gallery, Bothell, WA
Gallery North, Edmonds, WA
Local Color, Seattle, WA
Edmonds Studio Tour
Kirkland Wine Festival



Patrons in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Canada, California, and France.
Purchase and installation of painting on Washington State Ferry "Cathlamet"

Artist Statement

My love of creating art whether it is drawn, molded or painted began at an early age. I work primarily in pastels and oils and treat both with bold color and strokes. To me the strokes of color evoke an emotion while telling a story. The way the light hits a subject and the atmosphere it creates are the story I wish to tell.

Dear friends of mine Hank and Cindy Saffold have created a delicious wine. A 2006 Syrah named "Rooster Red" under their private label "Desperation Ridge". The image is of a painting I created for them. I will with warmth and friendship sincerely enjoy the wine. Thank you.