Jane Tate

“Near and Far Dancers” Modern Abstract Blue and Green Toned River Landscape

2000s

Jane Tate was born on November 6, 1930. In her younger years, she learned design and metal fabricating from her sister and went on to produce jewelry and furniture for retail as well as display in competitive shows. In 1952 she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in art education and applied art from the University of Texas, Austin. During this time, she worked as an assistant to the painter and education chairman, Kelly Fearing. After graduating, Tate worked with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston both teaching art classes for children as well as lecturing adult docents on art history, painting analysis, and artist biographies. In 1955 she helped found the craft store “Handmakers” in Houston, TX and created various garden sculptures and furniture for over 10 years. In the 1970s, Tate moved to Taos, NM and eventually was tutored by Sterling Ohlinger from 1978 to 1988. During her time in New Mexico, she concentrated on plein-aire landscapes near her studio. In 2006 she moved to Olymia, WA where she still lives. Her work can now be found in many public and private collections around the world. On her process Tate states, “I begin with working visions, dreams, memories, photo images (at rare times), occasional requests from others, and on the spot observations as in “plain-aíre” painting, combinations of the above, plus a life size plan of the picture using same basic design in drawing and / or watercolor; but with no lines in the painting.”