Artist bio

I am an Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at Hawkeye Community College. I earned a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from Iowa State University. I am a practicing visual artist living and working in the Cedar Valley in northeast Iowa. My work is influenced by Pop Art humor, the bold colors and communication of 20th Century Cuban political posters, the flat patterns of Matisse and 19th century decorative art, and the use of repetition and form found in the works of Magdalena Abakanowicz. I enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, going on bike rides, and worshipping together with my husband and two lovely daughters.

Title

Driftless: Reed's Creek

Medium/Genre

Painting

Artist Statement

"Driftless: Reed's Creek" is the first in a series of works exploring landscape as a place evoking memory, responsibility, and the serenity found in God's creation. This painting is based on a photograph my husband took while meandering through a field at sunset. It captures The Driftless Area in Wisconsin on a comfortable day in July. We explored the land and water, leaving it as good or better than we found it.

The work recalls the calm and peace found in a Midwest moment. It represents a well-cared for environment. And it stirs up a fond memory for myself, and anyone else who prays and walks the streams and fields.

How it fits into contest

John 7:38 (NIV): "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."

Water is life and represents the Holy Spirit. Whenever my husband looks at this painting, he says he experiences God's peace. It is the same peace and refreshment that the Holy Spirit gives he and I when venturing through the streams, woods, and fields.

Credits

Jake N. Bates

How to Purchase this Artwork

$1500
Contact me (the artist) through jenniferlynnbates.com to purchase.

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

I create paintings, mixed media work, and limited edition prints for sale and exhibition. Contact me (the artist) through jenniferlynnbates.com to purchase.

Submit Your Artwork Today!

The 2026 Engage Art Contest will be accepting new artwork in January 2026!