Artist Interview: Jane Rafter on Creating Atmospheric Scenes with Oil Paints

With over 20 years of painting experience, Jane Rafter has mastered the art of atmosphere. Following a successful career in graphic design, Jane pursued her passions and became a full-time fine artist, building a vast portfolio of tranquil landscapes that aim to celebrate the calmer moments in our lives.

As Jane goes on to tell us, she loves using the popular Daler-Rowney Georgian Oils range, taking advantage of their slow drying times to create beautiful gradients in her skies and reflections, creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere with her carefully-chosen colours. 

In the latest entry of our Artist Interviews Series, we had the opportunity to chat with Jane to discover her history with art, her presence on social media, and her approach to creating serene artwork.

Pictured above: Held in the Light, 51 x 51cm, oil on canvas with gold leaf

Tell us about your background; did you always know you wanted to be an artist?

I’ve always been drawn to art and nature in equal measure. As a child, I’d sit quietly for hours sketching trees or the changing sky outside my window. Although life took me on a few detours, I always came back to painting, it’s the one thing that’s never left me. What began as a way to unwind soon became my career, and now I create atmospheric oil paintings that capture tranquil moments in nature and special destinations for collections and collectors.

Who are your biggest artistic influences and how have they inspired you throughout your creative journey?

I’m deeply inspired by artists who paint emotion as much as scenery like J.M.W. Turner for his light and atmosphere, and contemporary landscape painters who evoke stillness and nostalgia. I’m also endlessly inspired by the places I visit - Cornwall, Italy, and coastal sunsets all influence my palette and compositions.

Pictured above: Vietnam Spa View, 61 x 45cm, oil on canvas

We love the ethereal, atmospheric quality you lend to your work! Could you talk us through your process of creating a painting?

Each painting begins with a feeling, often a memory, a moment of calm, or a beautiful light I’ve witnessed in nature. When it comes to commissions a photo is the usual starting point. I play around with different colours and compositions before sketching out a rough outline on the canvas. Next I build up layers of oil paint working wet on wet to create soft transitions and hazy depth. I love balancing realism with dreamlike atmosphere, so I spend a lot of time blending to achieve that tranquil, immersive quality.

What appeals to you about working with oil paints?

Oil paints have a richness and depth that perfectly suit my style. Their slow drying time allows me to blend skies and reflections seamlessly, creating that misty, luminous finish I love. I also enjoy how tactile they are, there’s something meditative about mixing the colours and feeling them move across the canvas.

Pictured above: Woolacombe, 16 x 20", oil on canvas

How do you want viewers to feel when they see your art?

My hope is that people feel a sense of calm, nostalgia, and connection when they look at my work. I want my paintings to be a quiet space, to remind you of somewhere you love, or a peaceful moment you didn’t want to end.

You make great use of social media to promote your work! How has the advent of apps like Instagram influenced your work and style of promotion?

Instagram has been a wonderful way to connect with people who share a love of art and nature. It’s also taught me to tell the story behind my paintings, to share not just the finished piece, but the inspiration, process, and emotion behind it. I’ve met so many kind collectors and artists through the platform, and it’s made the art world feel more personal and accessible.

Pictured above: Lemon Pergola View, 45 x 61cm, oil on canvas, in progress.

Do you have any advice for aspiring painters?

Keep painting, even when it feels like it’s not working. Every canvas teaches you something. Try not to compare your journey to anyone else’s - your voice will emerge naturally if you follow what truly inspires you. And don’t wait for “perfect” - just start, experiment, and enjoy the process!

Which art materials could you not live without?

Definitely my Daler-Rowney Georgian Oil Paints and good-quality brushes. I also love smooth canvases for capturing fine detail and a soft blend. And I couldn’t be without my favourite titanium white - it brings the light to every piece!

Pictured above: Silver Linings, 16 x 16", oil on canvas

Could you tell us any fun facts that people may not know about you?

I’m rarely without my cat in the studio—he’s my quiet little companion while I paint. I also love playing the piano (I taught myself how to play a few years back) - I love to listen to music while I paint too - anything from dance music to classical - It always helps me stay focused and productive.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to our interview! We’d love to know what you’re currently working on, and whether you have any exciting plans for the near future that you can tell us about.

I’ve just finished my autumn exhibition ‘Tranquillity’ at Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottingham and I’m now working on a new collection of peaceful landscape paintings for winter. I’m also preparing a ‘Festive Tranquillity’ pop-up event on 16th November at Attenborough again, where I’ll share original art, prints, and greeting cards. The view there is stunning and I’ll no doubt be painting live.

To see even more from Jane, check out her website and social media accounts.

Website: artbyjanerafter.com
Instagram: instagram.com/artbyjanerafter

Pictured above: Jane with her painting, Woolacombe, 16 x 20", oil on canvas

All artwork © Jane Rafter, used with permission.