2nd Place Winner “In a World of Color” Online Juried Competition and Exhibit: Jesseca Zollars Smith
From the mist-heavy landscapes of the Pacific Northwest to the vibrant, sun-drenched hills of Texas, artist Jesseca Zollars Smith has spent a lifetime chasing more than just a likeness. A 2nd Place winner of the In a World of Color exhibition and a student of classical Polish Impressionism, Jesseca’s work doesn't just sit on a canvas, it breathes. Today, we are joined by Jesseca and the curator of her latest solo exhibition, Chantelle Fulce, to discuss 'the space between breaths' and the quiet ache that fuels this stunning new collection.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist—how you first discovered your passion for art and what has shaped your creative path over the years?
I began drawing as a child, mostly pencil portraits of family members. My teachers took notice early on and often accused my parents of doing the drawings for me. That moment stayed with me, even as painting itself came much later. When I did discover painting, it became the place I returned to again and again. I participated in art walks in my hometown and was featured in local garden tours, which marked my first experiences sharing work publicly. Over time, my creativity moved through many forms—I created artwork for books, designed skincare labels, and built businesses through entrepreneurial work, but painting remained the constant thread. During COVID, I focused on commissioned pieces that were loose and playful, later shifting toward more refined and detailed portrait work. While the style evolved, the intention did not. No matter the approach, my work has always centered on honoring the heart and soul of the subject.
What does “In a World of Color” mean to you personally, and how did you translate that idea into your winning piece?
“In a World of Color” speaks to choice for me—the decision to meet the world with openness rather than restraint. Color has always felt like an emotional language rather than something decorative. Unlike my more realistic drawings and portrait work, Morning Rise leans into whimsy. It evokes a happy, dreamlike state, which is exactly what the word color brings up for me in terms of feeling. In this piece, I allowed color to lead the painting rather than accuracy. The mountain remains grounded, but the sky carries the emotion… soft, expansive, and slightly surreal. Translating this idea meant trusting intuition and being fearless with color, letting it shape the atmosphere and invite the viewer into a moment that feels both calm and imagined.
Every artist faces moments of uncertainty or creative block. How do you reconnect with your creative energy when those moments arise?
When I hit moments of uncertainty or creative block, I step away rather than push through it. For me, forcing inspiration drains the work of its energy and flow. I’ll often begin another painting or shift my focus entirely, trusting that the original piece will call me back when it’s ready. I’ve learned that inspiration moves in its own rhythm. When I allow space for that, the connection returns naturally, and the work resumes with clarity instead of resistance.
Looking ahead, what direction do you see your art evolving toward, and are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re particularly excited about?
Looking ahead, I see my work continuing to expand in two directions that feel deeply connected to me: mountains and portraits. I’m interested in pushing both further—exploring landscape as an emotional space through color and atmosphere, while continuing to develop portrait work that focuses on presence and depth. I’m currently creating new mountain pieces alongside more figurative and portrait paintings, allowing those two bodies of work to inform each other. While I don’t always plan too far ahead, I’m excited about continuing to share this evolving work through future exhibitions and opportunities as they arise.
How do you hope viewers feel or reflect when they encounter your work?
My hope? … is that viewers feel the soul and intention behind the work before anything else. That connection is the point. When I’m painting, I feel deeply connected to the subject, and the work begins to take on a life of its own. It speaks to me as it’s being created. Because of that, I believe the work naturally calls to those who encounter it. I don’t expect viewers to interpret it the same way I do, only that they feel something real, recognition, curiosity, or a quiet sense of being met where they are.
How has participating in this exhibition contributed to your growth as an artist?
Participating in this exhibition has reinforced my trust in my own instincts as an artist. Having this work viewed and recognized within a broader context has encouraged me to continue taking risks, especially with color and intuition, and to honor the direction my work is naturally moving toward. It’s been affirming to see a piece that leans into openness and whimsy resonate beyond my own studio. Experiences like this remind me that staying true to my process and voice is where growth really happens.
Anything else you want our audience to know about you?
My work is rooted in intuition, presence, and connection. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share it and for the dialogue it creates with those who encounter it.
It has been a privilege to go behind the scenes of this collaboration with artist Jesseca Zollars Smith. From her classical apprenticeship to her 2nd Place win in the In a World of Color exhibition, Jesseca continues to redefine what it means to paint the human presence. Her solo exhibition is now open to the public. For inquiries regarding commissions or to view the full digital catalog, visit Jesseca’s website.
Connect with Jesseca at:
Website: https://jzsmithartist.com/jzollarssmithartist-com
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/j.zollars_smith_artist?igsh=OWdyaXhpbXJvc2d0&utm_source=qr
