Two Stems

Jill Matthews is an American artist raised in Vermont whose work is shaped by formal training and a steady commitment to craft. She studied Fine Art at the University of Vermont and earned a B.S. in Art Education, later continuing painting studies in California at UC San Diego. That foundation shows in her approach: thoughtful composition, confident drawing, and an emphasis on painting as a practiced skill rather than a lucky moment. Her work balances structure and sensitivity, aiming for paintings that feel calm, grounded, and lived-in.

After a brief career teaching art, Matthews shifted into painting professionally, choosing a more hands-on studio life. She has since returned to the East Coast and is now based in Maine, where the coastal landscape, weather, and seasonal light continue to influence her subject matter. Whether she’s painting a quiet stretch of shoreline or an inland scene, her focus is on atmosphere and honest observation. The result is work that feels clear and direct, with the kind of restraint that lets light and place do the talking.