top of page
JH lead copy 3.jpg
JHayden pink logo.png
Paintings

Paintings

Artist's Statement

Artist's Statement

My art welcomes you to a place! I’m an optimist and I paint the world I want to live in.  Life’s strong currents easily distract us from noticing special moments as they occur. But as time passes, and random snapshots of memories rise to the surface of our minds and gain meaning.  Some of the best times we remember are the most unassuming ones:   the lunch with a friend that runs overtime, the party that first seems dull then picks up to become a smash, spontaneous group hugs, leaping onto a dance train at a wedding where other guests make you laugh with charmingly dorky dance moves, the bouts of clumsiness that throw us off but remain funny forever after. 

 

In my recent “Wallpaper” series, enthusiastic people share good times against backdrops of nostalgic wallpaper. Viewers can find stories they relate to in these scenes, making them feel more at home. I see my artwork greeting weary travelers in a cozy hotel lobbies, late night bistros or other public spaces. I want the familiarity, hustle bustle, and background noise of my pieces to make guests they to feel they are connected and simply belong.

Our once shy daughter, Madeline, in a bold plaid, recently mentioned that this painting is a good icebreaker and gets a party started.

To complement the wallpaper theme, I am also working in my own whimsical wallpaper designs. Early pieces are based on the breezy look of the old French Toile de Jouy fabrics and the newer pieces are taking on a playful, surreal look.

Poppy sniffing a pooch portait of Chiclet worries what her fashion fate will be. And cuddling with Gary, she also inspired the painting shown “Sleeping New- borns.” 

About the Artist

About

Jeannie Hayden was raised in Connecticut and graduated from NYU with concentrations in Studio Art & Art History.  After college, she stayed in New York City and worked for many years as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator in boutique design studios. Her clients included the American Museum of Natural History, Nichelodeon, L’Oréal, Givenchy and the upscale retro-modern furniture company Dialogica, to name a few.

In 2002 Jeannie illustrated and co-created with her husband, Gary Greenberg, the parenting book Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads (Simon & Schuster). The book was inspired by the birth of their daughter, Madeline and was celebrated for its distinctive look of a 

vintage scouting manual.  Be Prepared became an instant hit and sales have been very strong since its release.  The success of the book gave Jeannie the impetus to paint full time while raising Madeline. In 2004 Gary got a job writing on the Jimmy Kimmel Show and the family relocated to Los Angeles. Gary and Madeline model frequently for Jeannie.

 

When not painting,  Jeannie enjoys reading, comedy, TV & films, hiking with friends, travel, cooking and a wide range of music.

Contact

Would love your feedback! If you have ideas you would like to suggest for future paintings or wallpaper designs, we are all ears.  Occasionally available for commissions that fit the style.  Prints of the pieces can be ordered, but since they work best as a group a minimum order of four works must be placed. Originals also for sale.

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page