Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Shaw Dewey.
Hi Jane, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After more than forty years as a pediatric occupational therapist, I retired to pursue other creative interests. I had always loved art, but life was full—raising four children, including one with a disability, left little room for painting. Now, with my children successfully engaged in their own lives, including my son with a disability, I found the freedom to explore a long-held dream.
During the pandemic, I began experimenting with oil painting, taking online classes and setting up a small studio in a bedroom of my home. As my passion grew, I sought guidance from art mentors who helped me deepen both my technical skills and my artistic vision. I continue to study through workshops—both online and in studios—and meet twice a month for classes with nationally recognized American Impressionist painter James Richards for ongoing mentorship.
After a few years of painting in the confines of my home and struggling with poor lighting, I knew it was time to expand. Having admired Urban Arts Collective in Chamblee for years during their art walks, I was thrilled to secure a studio space there in 2022. That move marked a turning point—my art practice and business began to truly flourish.
For me, painting is both a spiritual and creative renewal—a way to express beauty, light, and connection after a lifetime devoted to helping others grow.
I’ve come to realize that retirement isn’t about stepping away from work—it’s about stepping toward what’s most meaningful. For me, painting gives me the space to allow myself to be successful and fulfilled in new ways.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a later-in-life artist brings its own challenges. Balancing time between my art practice and my ongoing role as an advocate in the disability community requires dedicated attention. I continue to manage my adult son’s support staff and life goals, which keeps me closely connected to a world that shaped much of my earlier life’s work. While I don’t face the financial pressures that many full-time artists do, my challenge lies in maintaining creative consistency and focus amid life’s other commitments. My husband and I enjoy traveling and spending time with our children and grandchildren.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think I’m most proud of having the ability to paint later in life—proving that creativity and growth have no age limit. My days in my studio are some of my happiest and also some of my most frustrating! When someone connects with my work and sees the vision I had for the painting — when they sense the light, the mood, and the emotion I intended, it affirms that what I’m doing matters. I paint primarily in oils and lean toward a more Impressionism style – atmosphere, light, color and personal expression.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Creative integrity: Staying true to my creative vision and developing my artistic voice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Janeshawdeweyart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janedshaw?igsh=MTl2b2RqdXIzNjl3bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeshawdewey?
