Janet Folsom, born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., developed an early passion for art by taking advantage of the rich cultural resources nearby. As a youth, she frequently visited the many museums in the capital, where she could immerse herself in the works of both old masters and contemporary artists for hours, all with free admission. This foundational experience deeply influenced her artistic sensibilities and academic pursuits, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Specializing in portraiture, Folsom is adept at capturing the essence and spirit of individuals on canvas using oil paints. She engages with her subjects both directly, by having people sit for live modeling sessions, and indirectly, by taking photographs to use as references for her art projects. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of the human condition, with current events often influencing the themes and subjects of her work.
Through her portraits, Folsom not only seeks to represent the physical likeness of her subjects but also to delve into the emotional and spiritual dimensions that define them. Each piece is a reflection of her deep engagement with the complexities of personality and the broader human experience, making her work both a personal statement and a universal inquiry into what it means to be human.