Bellevue artist Jan Jewell has been accepted as an artist-in-residence into the l’Atelier d’Artiste de Grande Vigne in Dinan, France, for the month of September.The purpose of the l’Atelier is to perpetuate a tradition that goes back to the end of the 18th century whereby artists from around the world are invited for a one-month stay to focus exclusively on their art.

When accepted, the artist receives the use of a studio and housing in Dinan for one month in exchange for a painting, created while in Dinan and chosen by a selection committee. The painting is then put into the permanent collection of La Grande Vigne and will be used in exhibitions by the association.

Jewell’s passion for painting the European countryside, old buildings, boats and reflections led her to apply for the residency last fall. Her love of travel provides the subject matter for much of her work, which she describes as “Representational Impressionism.”

She has painted in many locations in Europe, including Finland, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and France, as well as all over the United States. She has shown her oil paintings in exhibitions in Washington State, California, Texas, and Michigan.

Earlier, Jewell had a successful career for 15 years as a fine jewelry designer with her own company, and another 10 years as Co-Founder and Co-CEO for Birthday Express.