by 
Jenine Mayer
During the recent Oracle Artists Studio Tour, visitors were treated to an astonishing array of extraordinary creations by local artists.
At one address, among the well known group of Nyla Butler, Jill Caid and Vonnie West were also numerous paintings exhibited by Jenine Mayer whose art has taken off in a new direction.
Mayer and husband Bob relocated to Oracle from Alaska a few years back. Their story is similar to those of many other newcomers to this community: They happened to be visiting Oracle after their retirement. They fell in love with the local ambiance and terrain and purchased a house on the spur of the moment before going back.
During the last few years, the couple have remodeled their home inside and out and furnished it with lots of amenities for indoor/outdoor entertaining.
Jenine and Bob have also been involved with the Oracle Fire Department outreach program for some time now. Both are volunteers for the Home Alone Program and help servicing the individual button units worn by persons who need assistance for reasons of illness or due to a fall.
You may encounter the couple on one of the many hiking trails in and around Oracle, or see docent Bob lecturing at the Tucson Desert Museum.
Jenine has dedicated her life to the pursuit of artistic excellence in visual arts, complemented by enjoyment of music.
“Gun Model” Contour Drawing Collage by Jenine Meyer. The picture was conceived from photographs of Kim Kardashian and further inspired by weapons advertising.
Reflecting back on her journey as an artist, Jenine Mayer credits Barbara Cowlin’s classes in creativity as being instrumental to the success of her latest accomplishments. “There are different facets to be learned by the skilled artist, such as stenciling, stamping, collating, texture, paper design and ink classes” she explains.
Many an aspiring painter might not have been introduced to the countless tools available for the craft and may therefore be stifled in their ability to develop a certain technique or individual style: “It is important to know what materials are available and know their multi-uses as well.”
In her case, Mayer currently prefers to work with acrylics, occasionally using a knife as one might with oil. She further loves to use what is called a wet palette in a box, and she also applies a molding paste for a more three-dimensional or textured look.
She has studied different techniques at the Drawing Studio in Tucson and during modeling sessions at Lew Schnellmann’s.
Mayer has turned student after a 25-year career as middle-school teacher in Anchorage, Alaska.
She lovingly reflects on these years and what she has learned from her pupils: “Expect a certain behavior, give information rather than being confrontational, use your imagination to inspire or modify behavior, do not overreact.”
Apart from creating images on canvas, Mayer loves to spend time reading. And as a balance, she has joined the University Community Chorus in Tucson which includes weekly rehearsals and requires rigorous hours of practice at home as well. The chorus performs many of the classical pieces, such as “Requiem”, Te Deum” and “Messiah.”
The artist agreed to write a few lines for analysis of her handwriting.
Jenine Mayer Script
Jenine’s writing style includes many unique letter combinations that are supportive of creativity, such as “A lot of.”
The letter “g” is drawn like the number 8, indicating ease of expression in visual art as well as in writing.
The spaces between words and lines indicate her innate need for privacy and personal space. She will allow you to “vent” your frustrations, but you will not hear about hers.
Her signature is congruent with text. Obviously she does not put on airs but remains modest, a sign of inner strength.
She is interested in people and respects all living things, as evidenced in garlands on the baseline and a rightward slant of the handwriting. These qualities are reflected in her works of art.
Skylar Khan lives on a vortex in Oracle. She is a Master Graphoanalyst and has been contributing articles to The Oracle Towne Crier about personality traits revealed through Handwriting Analysis. Her book “Handwriting Rocks” is informative and entertaining. For more information, please visit HandwritingAuthority.com
by by