Jane Ramsey

“I find such joy in 'plein air' painting and drawing. Inspired by the emotion of scenes infused with light, shadow and color, I am compelled to paint the vanishing landscapes, pastoral vistas, barns and farms of Bucks County." -Jane Ramsey

Jane Deborah (Simonson) Ramsey was born on October 23, 1958 in West Hartford, Connecticut. Her parents came to Bucks County in 1960 and settled in Lumberville, along the banks of the Delaware River and canal. Ramsey was inspired by her neighbors, who were working artists, and her father, who was a woodworker. Additionally, she has long admired local artists, including Edward Redfield, Ranulph Bye, Daniel Garber, and Andrew Wyeth. Being immersed in a community of painters, weavers, and writers offered opportunities and exposure to the arts and, from a very early age, Ramsey’s dream was to be an artist.

Ramsey studied at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. A small private art school, it afforded opportunities to add fine art classes to her concentration in graphic design/illustration where she graduated with a BFA in graphic design. Now, she works as a plein air painter, using watercolor as her primary medium of choice. She also implements graphite and pencil for her plein air drawings. Ramsey is most drawn to depicting Bucks County farms, specifically the farming community in upper Bucks County because she likes the stories connected to the land, the families, and the landscape.

In addition to her paintings, Ramsey has been published in 100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid Atlantic by Gary Pendleton, Schiffer Publishing. Also, she is a published illustrator of children’s book. She participates in many plein air juried art events and group shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic region where she has received awards. Additionally, Ramsey is very passionate about land and farm preservation and has spearheaded and participated in many exhibitions to benefit local Bucks County conservation groups.

Currently, Ramsey is president of the New Hope Art League and is a member of the Philadelphia Watercolor Society and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County and lives on a farm in Bedminster Township, Bucks County. Please click here to view her website.

Education
BFA, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, Washington

Affiliations and Memberships
President, New Hope Art League
Board of Directors, Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County

Influences
Edward Redfield, Ranulph Bye, Daniel Garber, Andrew Wyeth

Connection to Bucks County
Ramsey grew up in Bucks County from 1960 to 1976. After moving away, she eventually relocated back to Bucks County in 2012. Now, she is the president of the New Hope Art League and sits on the board of directors for Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County.

Exhibitions
En Plein Air, No Constraints, Stover Mill, Erwinna, PA, 2018

Publications
100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid Atlantic by Gary Pendleton, Schiffer Publishing