Jenna Rainey of Mon Voir and “Everyday Watercolor” Shares Her Talent
Expert: Jenna Rainey
Credentials: Owner and Creative Director of Mon Voir and Author of “Everyday Watercolor”
Q: How did you first become interested in art?
Jenna Rainey: With watercolor I was really drawn to the movement and magic that happens with pigment when two wet areas of paint touch each other. Watercolor has a mind of its own and it’s so fun to watch.
Q: What inspired you to design beautiful custom stationery in the digital age?
JR: Working in custom stationery was sort of random, but I love being able to provide clients with an end product that’s something they can touch and treasure forever. It goes from just an idea, to something they get to share with their closest friends and family.
Q: You have a background in psychology, how do you integrate that with art and design?
JR: I teach a lot of watercolor and calligraphy workshops, so my degree in psychology has definitely come in handy with knowing how to communicate with certain students and adapt to how the class is learning.
Q: What would you like people to know about your new book, “Everyday Watercolor”?
JR: The book is going to be packed full of not only watercolor techniques and how-tos, but also color and foundational aspects of art in general. The book will start with all the basic techniques and color theory, then move into daily paintings that build on each other. Starting basic, then growing in complex forms and shapes.
Q: You offer classes and workshops for individuals and small groups. What do you enjoy most about teaching?
JR: Teaching is my greatest passion. I love the challenge of seeing someone who may not be very confident coming into the class, showing them how enjoyable the process of learning and practicing can be, and that everyone is creative! A lot of people doubt that, and I like to prove them wrong.
Q: How important is social media for your success?
JR: Social media has played the biggest role in my success. I started posting my work on Instagram back in the day, and within six months of doing that I was able to quit my job at a financial planning office. Still to this day, I’d say about 70 percent of our clients find us through social media.
Q: What are your favorite things to paint in watercolor and why?
JR: Florals! I grew up in a house where my mom was obsessed with gardening and explaining to me all of the different types of roses in her garden, what those purple flowers were, etc. So I just know them well from growing up around them and becoming comfortable with their shapes. I also like to paint landscapes when I have extra time on my hands.
Written By: Erica Johnson
Photographed By: Andrea Domjan
Erica Johnson was born and raised in Southern California. Erica enjoys writing for all mediums and is a Mogul Influencer on Mogul.com with her blog, "Champagne, Dark Chocolate & Hormones". Erica loves animals, reading, fashion and working out and is a true PBS Addict. Erica lives in Rancho Santa Margarita with her Husband and their Husky, Sierra Miss. After successfully blending their family of 6 kids-now ages 18-28- they are looking forward to traveling and going to Brunch more often.
Andrea Domjan is an award-winning portrait and commercial photographer born and raised in Europe, currently living in Orange County, California. Andrea's main goal is to reflect every person's personality on their photos. Her style is simple and timeless featuring the latest photography trends.
