I'm Janet, a freelance artist and writer who explores book arts, printmaking, painting, and photography. My practice blends traditional techniques with mixed media and sometimes digital approaches to tell intimate stories and evoke memory and place. I've taught art internationally—from Montessori classrooms to university studios—and continue to create work as a freelance artist and writer, sharing my passion for image-making and narrative with students and audiences around the world.

Janet Laura Lefley

I'm Janet, a freelance artist and writer who explores book arts, printmaking, painting, and photography. My practice blends traditional techniques with mixed media and sometimes digital approaches to tell intimate stories and evoke memory and place. I've taught art internationally—from Montessori classrooms to university studios—and continue to create work as a freelance artist and writer, sharing my passion for image-making and narrative with students and audiences around the world.

Available to hire

I’m Janet, a freelance artist and writer who explores book arts, printmaking, painting, and photography. My practice blends traditional techniques with mixed media and sometimes digital approaches to tell intimate stories and evoke memory and place.

I’ve taught art internationally—from Montessori classrooms to university studios—and continue to create work as a freelance artist and writer, sharing my passion for image-making and narrative with students and audiences around the world.

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Language

Italian
Advanced
Dutch
Intermediate
Portuguese
Beginner
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Children’s Book Author and Illustrator at Freelance
January 1, 2005 - June 7, 2024
Authored and illustrated children's books, creating engaging stories and artwork, managing projects independently from concept to publication, and participating in art exhibitions and events.
Professional Dog Trainer at Freelance
January 1, 2015 - June 7, 2024
Provided private and group dog training classes, applying knowledge from Karen Pryor Academy, and tailored training plans to client needs.
Art Teacher - Adult Printmaking Course at Winnetka Community Center
September 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Taught adult students printmaking techniques and fostered artistic skill development in a community center setting.
Art Teacher - Elementary and High School at Chiaravalle Montessori School
September 1, 2001 - June 30, 2005
Taught art classes for elementary and high school students, encouraging creativity and foundational artistic skills.
University Art Instructor at Tyler School of Art, Temple University Rome Campus
June 1, 2001 - August 31, 2001
Taught ‘Rome Sketchbook’ course focusing on sketching and art techniques during a summer session in Rome, Italy.
Art Teacher at Southlands British School
September 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Provided art instruction during the fall term to students, supporting skill development and creativity.
Art Teacher at New Orleans Parish School District
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1999
Delivered art workshops to all age ranges through the ‘Arts Connection’ program, enriching the arts education in public schools.
Children’s Book Author and Illustrator at Freelance
January 1, 2005 - June 6, 2024
Author and illustrator specializing in creating engaging children’s books, combining storytelling with visual art.
Professional Dog Trainer at Freelance
January 1, 2015 - June 6, 2024
Providing freelance private and group dog training classes, utilizing knowledge from Karen Pryor Academy studies.
Art Teacher at Winnetka Community Center
September 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Taught adult printmaking courses during the fall of 2008.
Art Teacher at Chiaravalle Montessori School
September 1, 2001 - June 30, 2005
Taught elementary and high school art classes from fall 2001 to 2005, delivering creative art education to students.
University Art Instructor at Tyler School of Art, Temple University Rome Campus
June 1, 2001 - August 31, 2001
Taught a course named “Rome Sketchbook” during summer 2001 in Rome, Italy, engaging students in site-specific art study.
Art Teacher at Southlands British School
September 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Provided art instruction during fall 2000 in Rome, Italy.
Art Teacher at New Orleans Parish School District
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1999
Taught art workshops to all age ranges across New Orleans through the “Arts Connection” program from 1994 to 1999.
Freelance Artist and Writer at Self-employed
January 1, 2005 - October 28, 2025
Freelance artist and writer producing artworks and writing projects.
Art Teacher – Adult Printmaking course at Winnetka Community Center
December 31, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Taught adult printmaking courses.
Art Teacher at Chiaravalle Montessori School
June 30, 2005 - June 30, 2005
Taught elementary and high school art.
University Art Instructor at Tyler School of Art, Temple University Rome Campus
August 31, 2001 - August 31, 2001
Taught 'Rome Sketchbook' course in Rome, Italy.
Art Teacher at Marymount International School
May 31, 2001 - May 31, 2001
Taught art at an international school in Rome.
Art Teacher at Southlands British School
December 31, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Taught art at a British school in Rome.
Travelling Art Teacher at New Orleans Parish School District
December 31, 1999 - December 31, 1999
Taught art workshops around the city through Arts Connection program.
Art Teacher at New Orleans Parish Schools, Summer Program
August 31, 1995 - August 31, 1995
Taught art in a summer program.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree at University of Wisconsin at Madison
January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1990
Master of Fine Arts Degree at Tyler School of Art, Temple University
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2001
High School Diploma at New Trier High School
January 1, 1981 - December 31, 1985
Master of Fine Arts Degree at Tyler School of Art, Temple University
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2001
Bachelor’s Degree at University of Wisconsin at Madison
January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1990
High School Diploma at New Trier High School
July 1, 1982 - June 30, 1985
Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking at Tyler School of Art, Temple University
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
Bachelor’s Degree in Art History at University of Wisconsin–Madison
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1990
High School Diploma at New Trier High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1985

Qualifications

Black Belt in Karate - 1st degree
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2017
Professional Dog Trainer - student of Karen Pryor Academy
January 11, 2030 - July 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other
    uniE621 Vondelpark Amsterdam
    A Sketch from my sketchbook. illustrator
    paper Sketchbook images

    I have started a Substack as a place to showcase my sketchbook artwork and travel experiences. It is called “Janet’s Sketch Fest”. I have tons of wonderful sketches and am always adding more.