TL;DR
- Jennifer Tanay creates block prints and gouache paintings on handmade paper she crafts herself.
- Her work blends folk traditions with birds, florals, and natural observation.
- Texture is central to both her originals and her print editions.
- William Turner and Cold Press Bright are her preferred giclée surfaces.
Meet Jennifer Tanay
Born and raised in New Jersey, Jennifer Tanay grew up near the shore and now lives in the small town of Farmingdale. Nature, wildlife, and quiet observation shape the foundation of her work.
Jennifer has always been drawn to creating through painting and drawing, with nature and wildlife as a constant thread. In 2020, she decided to teach herself how to make paper so she could block print on it. The first sheets were too rough and bumpy to print on. Instead of scrapping them, she found an alternate use.
It ended up working out.
Those handmade sheets became the perfect canvas for gouache paintings. Jennifer began painting bold animals and florals, along with birds set inside ornate folk-inspired frames. The texture that once felt like a mistake became the backbone of her style.
Signature Style
Jennifer’s inspiration is rooted in the natural world: the colors of a setting sun, hummingbirds on warm days, and mourning doves outside her door. She also pulls from flea markets, found objects, and the people and stories attached to them. Traditional Amish art and folk artists like Andrew Clemens, Grandma Moses, and Maud Lewis sit alongside modern influences from artists and photographers she follows today.
Endless inspiration all around.
Community also plays a meaningful role in her practice. Jennifer describes being surrounded by artists, tattooists, and people who work with their hands in Monmouth County. Even her sister’s patience as a second grade teacher becomes a kind of creative inspiration.
Texture is not decorative in Jennifer’s work. It is structural. Fibers, deckled edges, and uneven surfaces create depth before paint is applied. The surface becomes part of the story.
The Interview
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist?
I have always been drawn to creating and expressing myself through painting and drawing. Nature and wildlife have always been the common thread and inspiration to my work. During 2020 I decided to teach myself how to make paper so that I could block print on it. The paper pieces came out too rough and bumpy to be printed on. But fortunately, I found an alternate use for them. These handmade paper pieces made the perfect canvas for gouache painting.
Do you have any routines, rituals, or habits that fuel your creativity?
If I have good music flowing, coffee poured, and the mood is right, I am ready to go. Also, if my cats are around I am always feeling good.
Do you have a favorite piece that carries special meaning for you?
Most of my early handmade paper paintings are so incredibly special to me. The fact that they were created during such an uncertain and weird time in our country (2020) shows that art can be created as a means of comfort and peace. I honestly hold each painting dear to my heart. If I had to choose, my favorite is probably two mourning doves on a pink handmade paper I made, with flourishes of dried flowers and ferns.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on a larger series of paintings that I started early last year. Once I have a good amount, I’ll be selling online or maybe have an art show. Fine art prints will be available soon after they are complete. I’m also working on a new edition of large block prints, including an 18 x 24 inch wolf design that will be printed on handmade lokta paper that resembles a blue sky.
What advice would you give to emerging artists starting out today?
Never compare yourself to others. Make art for you. If you truly enjoy what you are creating, other people will feel that energy when taking in your work. Enjoy the process, the good and the bad. Also, try to limit your Instagram time. It’s very easy to get sucked in.
Never compare yourself. Make art for you.
Printing with The Stackhouse
After completing a painting, Jennifer scans and edits her work before offering prints in her online shop. She found The Stackhouse four years ago and has used our printing services ever since.
Her go-to options are textured surfaces that preserve the feel of her originals. She regularly orders Fine Art Giclée Prints on William Turner textured paper, and she also loves Cold Press Bright for its subtle grit.
If you’re trying to match the texture of your original work to the right print surface, it helps to compare papers in person. You can request our free media sample set to see the differences side by side.
Connect with Jennifer
- Shop: Derwood Paint Co.
- Instagram: @derwoodpaintco
- Location: Farmingdale, NJ
