About me.

I'm Jen Olson. I'm called self-taught because I didn't go to art school, but I grew up drawing thanks to my artist mother. And I signed up for community painting and drawing classes whenever I could. I have been exhibiting since 2013. 

I'm influenced by artists like Georgia O'Keefe, Frida Kahlo, Mark Ryden, Bill Hammond, and Egon Schiele. I like it when there is some tension in a painting. It could be a contrast in textures and colours, an intense gaze, awkward expressions, or exaggerated forms and perspectives. 
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I've been involved in solo and group exhibitions, murals, children's illustrations, wine labels, a natural history book, and organising and curating community fundraising exhibitions. I like organising and installing shows just as much as participating in them, and don't leave the house without a tape measure - just in case.

Follow my Instagram to keep up to date on my latest work.

​I'm a member of the delightful Hullabaloo Art Space, an artist-run collective in Cromwell, New Zealand. My pieces live in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the USA. ​

Photos by Carly Webber