Narrative Statement

A love of the natural world and it's rich source of inspiration has been the driving force behind Jean's paintings.  She has been a watercolorist thoughout her professional painting career and has built a reputation for her artistic skill as well as her technical abilities.  "I've learned to pay attention to the subtle details such as the way a leaf attaches to them stem or the fine hairs that line a stem," Jean states.  Attention to detail and a keen eye for composition are what make her paintings stand the test of time.  They are not so acutely rendered that the viewer tires of the detail, but leave just enough to allow a personal interpretation.  Accola began delving into wildflowers as a subject in 1992 and more recently has moved to other plant life such as ferns, trees and grasses, giving her a broader range of expression.  

Accola credits the influence of many other artists including: Sister Barbara Cerney, her high school art teacher; Walter Williams and Margaret Mason, both great teachers and mentors, the study of Sumi-e with Susan Frame and workshops by Alan Servoss, Lee Weiss and Chen Kee Chee.  She attended Clarke College in Dubuque, IA, Augsburg College, Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota, where she majored in biology.

Jean has been honored to do paintings for the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, the Minnesota State Parks, the Wisconsin Academy Review, the Northern Gardener, and many private and corporate collectors.

Jean is married to Steve Peinovich, also known as Yata, a well regarded musician.  They have two adult children.  They live in a converted country schoolhouse in Western Wisconsin.