Jess Anderson
Born in Nampa, Idaho, Jess Anderson has been doing artwork most of his life. He
was given his first set of oil paints at age 11.
After
graduation from high school, Jess went directly into the US Army. Upon learning
of his art abilities, Uncle Sam saw fit to put him in charge of the battalion
Training-Aids Department (aka, the art department). Following his discharge in
1968, he met and married Cheryl, his wife of 35 years. One year after release
from the military, with his wife working as a bookkeeper to keep the bills paid,
he enrolled in the “Advertising Art School” in Portland, Oregon. After
graduating top of his class, he started his own commercial art business making a
great success of it for the next 16 years. However, following the tragic death
of his daughter, he closed down his business and completely gave up oil for five
years. As his heart healed, however, he began once again to see beauty in the
sky and waters of Oregon. Finally, after spending time photographing
tide-pools, fallen trees, rocks, streams and wildlife, he was ready to dig out
the oil paints and dust off the easel.
Jess’ love of art extends not only to canvas but also to music and restoration
design. He and his do-wop quartet do a History of Rock and Roll and oldies
music show. Much of the rest of his time is spent using his artistic eye and
construction talents to change rooms and buildings into beautiful displays of
Arts and Craft era design.
In 2003 the National Endowment of the Arts gave a grant to the Federal
Correctional Institution in Sheridan for Jess to teach art to inmates. The
shows of inmate art received high acclaim from both art dealers and the public.
Wherever the Anderson’s travel, time is always taken to witness wildlife in its
natural terrain and environment. Where that is not possible, zoos, either
public or private are a great source of material and inspiration. Jess never
passes up the chance to have hands-on with the animals and birds he loves to
paint and watch.
His personality is out-going, his enthusiasm is catching, and his interests are
broad. He paints the same way.
