Have you heard the good news? Jennifer Staples is the latest artist to join the Well + Wonder collective. Hooray! Jennifer's debut collection will load onto our gallery walls Friday at 10 am., but until then, we thought we should formally introduce this talented artist. Jennifer is a Nashville-based artist and art educator originally from Texas. Her work is inspired by the landscapes, wildflowers, and wide-open spaces she grew up around, as well as the beauty she finds in everyday life. Working primarily in acrylic, Jennifer creates expressive floral and landscape paintings with loose brushwork, layered color, and a quiet sense of place. She is especially inspired by long drives, her husband’s garden, changing seasons, and the beauty of God’s creation. Through her paintings, Jennifer hopes to capture the feeling of being outside and bring a little of that beauty into the home.In potentially one of our most thoughtful new-artist interviews to date, Jennifer answers all of our "hard-hitting" questions about her artwork, lipstick, and everything in between! Keep reading to learn all about Jennifer and join us tomorrow as we officially welcome her to Well + Wonder!
What is currently on your nightstand?
Books! Books! And more books! I am currently reading through the Emma M. Lion series and loving it. I’m drawn to novels with rich character development. I also love to have a chapstick and Bible nearby at all times.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
It’s hard to choose just one—it’s really a toss-up between Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Monet. But my connection to Matisse and O’Keeffe began through the women in my family, long before I understood what it meant to be influenced by an artist.
My maternal great-grandmother had Matisse prints and books throughout her home. When I was a little girl, she sent me a card featuring one of Matisse’s interior paintings. I’ve kept it all these years, and I can still see those colors in my mind.
My grandmother introduced me to Georgia O’Keeffe around that same time. Seeing her enormous, intimate flowers opened my eyes to scale, color, and the idea that something familiar could become completely extraordinary when you really looked at it.
In a way, I feel like I inherited my love of art from both of them. Matisse and O’Keeffe taught me to see color and beauty differently, while Monet’s light and atmosphere continue to captivate me. Their work has stayed with me—not just as art I admire, but as part of how I learned to see the world.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
My maternal grandmother, my “Gigi,” has always been a bit of an icon to me. She is beloved by many people in the town where I grew up, and she has always had an impeccable sense of style—always dressed to the nines in a fabulous outfit, beautiful shoes, and jewelry. I still love that about her. More than that, she has always been one of my biggest advocates. As the oldest grandchild and first granddaughter on that side of the family, we’ve always shared a particularly special bond.
When I was little, my sister and I would often accompany Gigi to fashion shows benefiting nonprofits in our town. I remember the excitement and glamour of those events, and how special it felt to be included in her world.
But one of my favorite memories is my tenth birthday. Gigi took me on a special shopping trip to Neiman Marcus, and everything about the day felt wonderfully grown-up and fancy—a girly lunch, wandering through the beautiful store, and looking at clothes I could only dream about wearing. I chose a yellow floral two-piece set, a skirt and top, and I can still picture the colors so clearly. I don’t remember everything about being ten, but I remember that day, that outfit, and how special it felt to be with her. It remains one of those joyful childhood memories that I can still step right back into.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
I would probably say Golden acrylic paint. I could manage to create on any number of surfaces but I love working with paint!
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
There is a little corner chair in my bedroom that is surrounded by windows overlooking our backyard garden. It is just tucked enough away in the house that I feel like I have traveled to a quiet place whenever I sit there. It is such a peaceful spot. I love to watch birds visit our feeder and fountain and catch a moment to be still.
What is your biggest score online?
This one is hard to answer! Maybe our house?! My husband and I were away on a trip but in touch with our realtor who knew we were hoping for a house to pop up in a specific area of town. We used the photographs from the listing online and a brief FaceTime call to make our decision! It happened during a wild time in real estate when things were moving very quickly, and we had to make a fast decision. It worked out! I still laugh that we put an offer on the house without actually seeing it in person.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I would chose the l’Orangerie in Paris! I am completely in awe of Monet and could spend hours enjoying his waterlilies.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
This fall I visited my sister in Washington D.C., and I had the privilege of staying at the Waldorf Astoria. The historic architecture, layered interiors, marble, chandeliers, and sheer size was incredible. I loved the old-world feeling that made it more of an experience than just a place to sleep.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Mauve! I’m an autumn, and I love to lean into my colors when I can. A brownish pink is a good fit for me.
I can never get on a plane without….
Oh gosh, a book! Or two! My water bottle, AirPods and a sweater.
How did you get into the world of art?
This question will return me back to my answer about influences! My great grandmother and grandmother were very influential to me.
What do you do to relax?
I teach elementary students in the art room two or three days a week. After a full day of teaching usually need a little time alone! I love to run, cook, listen to music, sit outside on my front porch swing, and watch the trees sway. It is the best spot in the house and a place I can be quiet for a moment,
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Nature undoubtedly first, and second, I might say fashion. I love clothes and expressing myself in what I wear.
Prediction for the Color of 2027?
A shade of green! Maybe sage? Olive?
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
I love getting dressed up for a good, long meal. There is a wonderful Italian restaurant in an older part of Nashville that my husband and I choose for every anniversary. If we linger and chat for a few hours at a great restaurant, I’m in heaven.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
Oh this is a toughie. I might say my first field painting- it was the largest canvas I had ever painted on at the time (a 48x48), and I was painting as a way to grieve a miscarriage. It was a very special piece during a healing time for me. I felt God meet me in the process, dry my tears, and present a new direction for my life that I had not imagined for myself. The painting ended up in the hands of Meredith Scheffler, which was a really fun surprise.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy what you love and trust your own style! If you love an artist but aren’t ready to invest in a larger piece, start small. Building a collection over time can be just as special.
