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Jan Olsen

I am a Boomer, conceived after my father returned from military duties in France at the end of WWII. The word Boomer curls my toes. Boom means a lot of things... for me it is a sound, of a specific boom brought about by a specific bomb, conceived in my own New Mexico neighborhood. I hope that particular boom will never be heard again.

I see that the recent WWI commemoration in France infected my bio. I veer to the positive. I am very excited to see my creativity bloom with all the members of this great new gallery. I find that creating does mute the disturbing noise and soften the aches and pains of body and soul: creativity conceives beauty in all its forms.

Dedicated to heroines Helen Prejean, Carmen Cruz, Greta Thunberg, Danella Frazier and Stacey Abrams.


Recent Comments
Hannah Neighbour
Stunning Jan!!!
Tuesday, 15 December 2020 16:21
Mary Neighbour
I love the posture of this pretty one, how keen she her gaze is, how she appears to b ready to hop off the paper. . . . and I love... Read More
Wednesday, 16 December 2020 08:10
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Playing with Collage

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Tropical Fish in Peaceful Waters


Yesterday, Honduras formally joined 49 other states parties in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, triggering entry into force in 90 days. The Treaty is the result of years of effor...
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Mary Neighbour
Jan, it's so good to share the good news--you've made me happy too!
Wednesday, 11 November 2020 07:08
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SAGUARO


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Hannah Neighbour
Oh, Jan this is so gorgeous! I love the contrast between how soft it appears and then the needles I can see and know are there. Co... Read More
Wednesday, 02 September 2020 12:43
Mary Neighbour
Jan, it's so good to visit with you here in this space and to enjoy your paintings. Your love of the saguaro saturates this beauti... Read More
Wednesday, 11 November 2020 07:16
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Thank you Note #8


Thank you to all the birds in my front yard who keep me entertained and in love.  Each one of you is so special.   And speaking of special, thank you to my son Marshall for&nb...
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Jan, I always love your birds--they are so curious and they connect with such an inviting gaze. It's good to have a little mystery... Read More
Sunday, 12 July 2020 11:47
Jan Olsen
Hi Mary...thanks. Those two birds are curious looking, almost not posted, but then I bit the bullet. Today's talk should be inter... Read More
Sunday, 12 July 2020 11:53
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Thank you Note #7 ( Mass Mailing)


THANK YOU, YOU BIG OLD TREE ON MAIN STREET,  for witnessing the divine, the sacred, and the frailty of humanity.Gratitude for John Lewis for saying "When you see something that is not right, you ...
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Thank you, Jan, for this much needed reminder of those who are speaking truth to power, showing strength and compassion. You are a... Read More
Friday, 05 June 2020 06:33
Hannah Neighbour
Thank you, Jan, for your Thank you's and for holding and sharing all of this beauty.
Sunday, 07 June 2020 12:51
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THE NEW MOON

In the periphery a light  In the dead of night I see the shuttered moon Behind thin clouds A gentle light The moon revealedIt is a perfect square
Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
This is so enigmatic! It invites me to explore meaning. It reminds me of being a child and watching a star through my window--it w... Read More
Friday, 03 April 2020 08:58
Hannah Neighbour
Ah!! I love this Jan. For me it brings up the idea of questioning everything during this time. There is also just something so exq... Read More
Friday, 03 April 2020 11:24
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BEHOLD


​During this taxing season of taxes,  I realized that there is little room for creativity in preparing for the tax man. Now that I see openings in the hours and days ahead, I feel a tinge of insp...
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Ha! I envy you for that beautifully banded backup bundle . . . and that you found inspiration in taxes--awesome!
Sunday, 15 March 2020 09:16
Hannah Neighbour
Your tinge of inspiration, your excitement, your yearning incites mine Jan...thank you!! xo
Sunday, 15 March 2020 15:37
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Donde Esta El Sol?


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Recent Comments
Hannah Neighbour
Oh, Jan...this is just stunning. A new favorite. I love how the colors of the sun are still there....like she's wrapped up in it e... Read More
Thursday, 23 January 2020 19:16
Mary Neighbour
Mi amiga, YES! You have not only wrapped in the sun, as Hannah notes, but you also have paid homage to the beauty of so many nativ... Read More
Friday, 24 January 2020 17:39
Guest — Jan
Hey it's Saturday, almost short February, a hop away from March, which should help blow in April and Spring in New Mexico. Thank ... Read More
Saturday, 25 January 2020 12:13
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PS Here It Is


Sorry, I forgot to include the proof in the pudding, the ribbon.   Isn't it beautiful!?   The woman who made it, Sadie, lives near Hereford. Her sewing is known all over&...
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Mary Neighbour
PS: YOU deserve a blue ribbon!!
Wednesday, 11 December 2019 08:39
Guest — Patricia Corriz
Very nice
Wednesday, 11 December 2019 09:16
Hannah Neighbour
Ginger and Edgar! See...there needs to be a children's book!!!
Saturday, 14 December 2019 14:22
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WE WON THE BLUE RIBBON AT THE FAIR!


Sending all my warmest holiday hugs to all Creatrixes with this card inspired by our most recent prompt.  My mom was of English heritage so I have chosen to  travel ...
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
As a lapsed creatrix, I thank you, Jan, for starting my day off with a smile. Have you been to Hereford? Andrew's mother lived the... Read More
Wednesday, 11 December 2019 08:39
Hannah Neighbour
Oh, Jan I love this SO MUCH!!! Just beautiful!!!
Saturday, 14 December 2019 14:18
Andrea Miles
I love this!
Tuesday, 25 February 2020 13:39
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Dear Sequoias Thank You Letter #6


DEAR BEAUTIFUL SEQUOIAS,   Thank you for standing strong for all of us for so long. You stand tall and upright when we cannot. You take my breath, then give it ...
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
I just love it that I had to scroll down and down to see your beautiful painting. I remember seeing giant redwoods for the first t... Read More
Tuesday, 26 November 2019 11:21
Jan Olsen
Thank you Mary, scrolling down, is topsy-turvy. I encourage you to check out the BetterPlaceForests.com when you have a minute o... Read More
Tuesday, 26 November 2019 12:50
Hannah Neighbour
I haven't seen these majestic beings in person yet...SOON tho...so thank you for bringing them here. I love the painting Jan...esp... Read More
Wednesday, 27 November 2019 12:43
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LIFE AND DEATH


Today I looked into my bowl of favorite found items. It occurred to me that I might not have these items, nor the bowl itself, if a death had not occurred.  ​It was my mo...
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Hannah Neighbour
I'm loving the juxtaposition of death and life. And you are bringing new life to it all by gathering them together and also sharin... Read More
Friday, 08 November 2019 15:43
Guest — Patricia Corriz
We often don’t like to think of these things, but there is beauty in both life and death.
Saturday, 09 November 2019 05:38
Guest — Patricia Corriz
Thank you for sharing, Jan. Very thought provoking.
Saturday, 09 November 2019 06:01
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INSPIRED BY MY ANGEL

As I lay on my  bed yesterday afternoon, my gaze soared upward above my open closet space and landed upon a very sweet, black ceramic cherubim. Her wings are naturally small a...
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Recent Comments
Patricia Anne Corriz
Ever so sweetly, gently they inspire. A story left untold But who is the angel, he to she or she to him?
Thursday, 24 October 2019 04:44
Mary Neighbour
Hmmm. So inviting, Jan, so tempting to jump in. But is this really sweet and gentle? It arouses in me suspicions and resistance. H... Read More
Friday, 25 October 2019 17:19
Jan Olsen
Whoa, what a twist, or is it twisted, what ulterior motives would the old guy have? Is he even old? or a young cad? Is he a contro... Read More
Friday, 25 October 2019 17:53
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YOU CRANE, PSST


You are so young; trying to be a righteous crane, an honest crane, a good, strong,  upright crane.  Your legs are weak and wobbly.  They buckle,....
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Jan, pssst: you know from my name photo that I love the cranes. Yours is especially inspiring. Thank you!
Sunday, 06 October 2019 07:52
Patricia Anne Corriz
Sunday, 13 October 2019 18:55
Patricia Anne Corriz
I love your post about the Crane.
Sunday, 13 October 2019 18:56
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Skin Wrinkles in Time

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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Jan, you're smile hasn't changed an iota . . . except for the 2 front teeth!
Monday, 30 September 2019 09:29
Hannah Neighbour
Jan, I am moved by the beauty of all of this and how much life there is in each picture. Thank you.
Monday, 30 September 2019 20:09
Guest — Patricia Anne Corriz
Tuesday, 01 October 2019 02:58
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Is It Fall Yet? Thank You Card # 5


Dear Professor Jennifer Lackey,  I heard you speak on the radio recently about your years of experience teaching philosophy to prisoners held in a maximum security prison near Chic...
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Mary Neighbour
. . . and your watercolors, Jan, are gifts to all of us. I am so inspired by this series of artwork--I hope there will be many mor... Read More
Saturday, 14 September 2019 08:46
Jan Olsen
Thank you Mary....I hope so too. I give you the official copyrights, here and now, to publish this series of letters. This is off... Read More
Saturday, 14 September 2019 10:15
Hannah Neighbour
Dear Jan, Thank you for touching my heart deeply with this one - by the written word, your brushstrokes, and your care. Absolutely... Read More
Saturday, 14 September 2019 10:56
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Please Mr. Postman Thank You Card #4


Dear United States Postal Service,  I believe that it it only right that before I continue sending letters all over the place, that I sincerely thank you for serving us so very well for...
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Recent Comments
Hannah Neighbour
Beautiful, Jan! I know those mail boxes!! I continue to love this letter theme....and that you are also thanking the people who ge... Read More
Friday, 30 August 2019 10:02
Guest — Jan
aww thank you Hannah. It's fun and it makes me feel like I am contributing to the good.
Friday, 30 August 2019 14:39
Mary Neighbour
I am moved by your whole series of thank you letters, Jan. I deeply believe you could be on the crest of a wave that many would li... Read More
Friday, 30 August 2019 13:25
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Fishing For Good News Thank You Card # 3


Dear Mayor Lamumba, Thank you for shining a light on the children who were left alone after their parents were jailed near your city of Jackson.   I know that your strong condemnat...
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Recent Comments
Patricia Anne Corriz
Sunday, 18 August 2019 17:59
Mary Neighbour
Now, how did you paint this lovely watercolor? From imagination? You are a wonder, Jan, and I believe your efforts with these card... Read More
Monday, 19 August 2019 08:20
Hannah Neighbour
This is so beautiful, Jan. For me, there's something vaginal about it too which connects to the children in the letter. Perfect.... Read More
Monday, 19 August 2019 18:37
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You Look Pale. What Did You Eat? Thank You Card #2


Dear Patti Goldman,  I know that I am not alone in sending gratitude to you and the members of your law firm,  Earthjustice, for fighting to end the use of the nerve agen...
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Hannah Neighbour
I love these guys, Jan. Again, I am reminded of a children's book. And I love that you're including the thank you notes as well...... Read More
Sunday, 04 August 2019 09:23
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Any Water Down There? Thank You Card #1


Dear Scott,      I have followed your kind efforts to locate the remains of those who have died in the Ajo desert. I also know you and your friends leave&n...
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Hannah Neighbour
Beautiful Jan...I am so drawn to the grip of the feet on the rim. I see so much life there. And in your beautiful words.
Tuesday, 30 July 2019 15:27
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A Sweet Spot on The San Juan


I tore into this project one day at the Alzheimer's Cafe. I have painted this very sweet spot a couple of times and wanted to try it as a collage.
Recent Comments
Guest — Patricia
I love the colors you chose in this collage. It’s inspired and I love it!... Read More
Sunday, 14 July 2019 08:38
Patricia Anne Corriz
I like the colors you chose, it’s inspired. I enjoy looking at it and can almost see the river rolling through. I love this piece... Read More
Sunday, 14 July 2019 08:43
Jan Olsen
Thank you Patricia, very much. I sense that you may have been to this same spot, very near Pagosa Springs, fronted with a large g... Read More
Sunday, 14 July 2019 09:10
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  3 Comments

I can finally see the finish line


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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Oh, Jan, this is adorable! It feels like sweet, gentle advice.
Monday, 24 June 2019 13:23
Hannah Neighbour
I love this. This could be in a children's book. He/she has such character! Perfect title.
Monday, 24 June 2019 16:01
Guest — Patricia Corriz
This is a wonderful painting!
Thursday, 27 June 2019 10:30
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HAIKU


Good Morn   Mary N Its a Happy Happy Day This Handsome Boy Winks
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Mary Neighbour
I know you said this is a cormorant, but I think it's really a phoenix!
Saturday, 06 April 2019 11:22
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UNFINISHED


I am running late.  Did someone ask for a sweater ???  I will need an extension on this years taxes. Everything is out of sync. I mean, everything is right on schedule.  Am I ...
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Jan, your sense of humor comes through, even when you're in the Koyaanisquatsi lane, which I know is unpleasant and undesirable. I... Read More
Wednesday, 06 March 2019 16:51
Jan Olsen
Thank you Mary...Here is how the post came to be. I believe that the knitting reference was inspired by one of Hannah's prompts or... Read More
Thursday, 07 March 2019 09:10
Hannah Neighbour
I love this Jan. I keep thinking that it could be a snippet from a monologue in a play...or my head I love where stream of consci... Read More
Friday, 08 March 2019 13:04
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GENTALIA


This photo is taken from a small plane which recently flew over Normann and Signe's house in Porsgrunn, Norway. I have been studying this photo since I saw it a week ago. I was trying t...
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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
I see it! Impregnated by the sea, hey? Did they buy that explanation? Seriously, to have the ability to produce a life that you l... Read More
Friday, 22 February 2019 18:14
Hannah Neighbour
I love how you bring all of this together - home, birth, creativity, body, nature, family. I feel above and inside at the same tim... Read More
Monday, 25 February 2019 12:15
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Sin Nombre


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Recent Comments
Hannah Neighbour
Jan, these are so gorgeous. Are they pomegranates? Whatever they are they look juicy and inviting and magical. I love the title to... Read More
Saturday, 16 February 2019 13:06
Jan Olsen
Yes, Pomegranates. Thank you for your appreciation and the Persephone story of her seed sins and trips to the underworld (on the ... Read More
Saturday, 16 February 2019 19:59
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Winter in Park City with Michael

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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Jan, this painting almost makes me shiver. I wonder what memories it brings for you? Interestingly, I viewed this in tandem with... Read More
Thursday, 07 February 2019 08:33
Jan Olsen
Hello Mary. Thank you for your comment and question. I finally put my thoughts out to Andrea about her recent writing, which I... Read More
Saturday, 16 February 2019 12:08
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CHOLLA


Cholla says, leaning slightly into the wind,   " Is that snow on the mountains? "  This cold wind feels prickly. I  long for a sizzling summer day." 
Recent Comments
Hannah Neighbour
Gorgeous, Jan! I love the voice of Cholla. Well done on posting too!!!!... Read More
Friday, 25 January 2019 09:41
Mary Neighbour
This is delightful, Jan! I smiled reading "this cold wind feels prickly." You often make me smile--thanks!... Read More
Friday, 25 January 2019 13:52
Jan Olsen
Thank you Mary...Dontchaknow you inspired it by your heartfelt complaint about the added snow recently.
Friday, 25 January 2019 15:30
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Los Cerillos from Haozous Road


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Are those pears?


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Mary Neighbour
Yes, pears for the reindeer, to sustain them while searching for Rudy. Your paintings cheer me up, Jan!
Sunday, 09 December 2018 09:11
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Has anyone seen Rudy?


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Recent Comments
Hannah Neighbour
I love this, Jan. As I mentioned to you, I feel very close to deer and consider them my spirit animal. These three feel very heali... Read More
Saturday, 08 December 2018 17:51
Jan Olsen
Such nice words...I was painting them for a Christmas card and skipped the red nose and red bows. I see from your view that seeing... Read More
Saturday, 08 December 2018 20:04
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Moab, Utah

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Mary Neighbour
You make the desert look lush!!
Saturday, 17 November 2018 14:14
Jan Olsen
These watercolors are painted near Moab, Utah, very near the Colorado River, which is pretty lush. Funny, I thought those water... Read More
Saturday, 17 November 2018 15:04
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Moving Art

​The glass used is this mobile was found on walks near home and beaches in Norway. And also from a broken soup bowl made from Italian glass!

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Mary Neighbour
I so admire your ability to see beauty in broken and discarded things, Jan, to bring your creativity to life.
Monday, 12 November 2018 09:17
  863 Hits
  1 Comment

Rare Birds

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Recent Comments
Mary Neighbour
Your birds are such a delight! Did painting them bring you delight, too?
Thursday, 08 November 2018 16:03
Guest — Jan Olsen
I did feel delight and full of mischief.
Thursday, 08 November 2018 17:08
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