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Like millions of others, I’ve stood in front of the Mona Lisa, captivated by Leonardo da Vinci’s genius. But I recently experienced a similar thrill much closer to home — right here in Manningham — when I was invited to view the portraits of our remarkable local artist, Jan Wheeler.
At 88 years old, Jan has been painting for more than four decades. While she has experimented with various art forms, it is oil portraiture that truly ignites her passion. A prolific artist, she has created dozens of portraits. Many were commissioned and all were painted with exceptional care and sensitivity. Her joy in the creative process is unmistakable, but there is something more: a quiet spirituality that permeates her work.
Jan says that as she paints, she prays. She says this helps her connect with the essence of the person sitting for her. She also gently encourages her subjects to talk about themselves, allowing her to capture not just their likeness but something deeper — the soul behind the smile. Though her style is realistic, her portraits convey a depth that draws viewers in, creating an immediate sense of intimacy with the subject.
Over the years, Jan has taken on some unusual and delightful commissions, from individual portraits of four brothers to a beloved Schnauzer puppy, each rendered with her signature attention to detail. Her love of art began in childhood, and she was already excelling at calligraphy by age 16, winning an award that hinted at her future path.
Jan began her formal art training in Brisbane and, since 2000, has been a member of the Doncaster Templestowe Artists’ Society. The Society, located at 673 Doncaster Road in the historic school hall on Council Street, offers award-winning instruction in a variety of media including oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolour, and mixed media. It welcomes artists of all levels and abilities.
Working under the name Janz Art, Jan has exhibited regularly through the Society and has received numerous awards including Best in Show, Best Oil, and Best Portrait. One of her works — a painting of the Eastern Golf Club’s Doncaster clubhouse — was purchased by the club and displayed at its new Yering location until it was sadly lost in a fire. Her works have also been shown at Café Julia in Jackson Court and remain on permanent display at the Applewood Retirement Village community centre.
Jan is the first to acknowledge the inspiration and guidance she’s received from the Society’s talented tutors. But equally important to her has been the camaraderie and encouragement of fellow members. “We all have gifts,” she says, “and we can all make a difference in our own way, no matter our age.”
And Jan does just that. In a beautiful act of generosity, she charges clients based on their means and donates 100% of her earnings to Christian Blind Mission (CBM), an international charity that supports people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest countries.
To commission a portrait or simply to learn more about her work, Jan can be contacted through the Doncaster Templestowe Artists’ Society or on 8848 0943.
