Painter and author Janet Hill has gained a loyal following for her charming and whimsical style. Her paintings are a delightful mix of nostalgia, fantasy, and humor that have been reproduced in a series of jigsaw puzzles by the New York Puzzle Company.
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Hill studied art at the Ontario College of Art and Design. After graduation, she worked as an illustrator and graphic designer before turning her attention to painting full-time. Her early work was heavily influenced by vintage children's books and illustrations, as well as the aesthetic of the mid-20th century. Over time, Hill's style has evolved to incorporate more modern elements, while still maintaining the whimsy and playfulness that make her work so distinctive.
Hill's paintings often feature children and animals, as well as elements of nature and everyday life. She has a particular talent for creating scenes that feel both familiar and fantastical, such as a group of children playing in a moonlit forest or a cat lounging in a teacup. Her use of colour is also noteworthy, with bold hues and unexpected combinations adding to the sense of whimsy and fun.
In addition to her paintings, Hill is also an accomplished writer. Her gorgeous, lushly detailed paintings are compiled in Miss Mink: Life Lessons for a Cat Countess featuring a collection of twenty cat-approved life lessons for living your purrfect life; and Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess, a whimsical, tongue-in-cheek book of wisdom for pooches (and people). Lucy Crisp and The Vanishing House is Hill's debut novel, and is part mystery, part supernatural thriller and all fun.
What makes Hill's work so compelling is her ability to create a sense of wonder and delight in the viewer. Her paintings transport us to a world that is both familiar and magical, reminding us of the beauty and joy that can be found in everyday life.
Janet lives in Stratford, Ontario, where she keeps an in-house artist's studio, along with her husband, John, an independent bookseller, and their cat and dog.
See more of her work at Janet Hill Studio
See our selection of Janet Hill jigsaw puzzles from New York Puzzle Company
Top Photo Credit: Penguin Random House Canada