See recent goings-on at my bluesky page @artfulactivist.

TeslaTakedown

March 2025 - I accidentally started a weekly picket at the Tesla Showroom in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It started on March 3 with me and my mom. It has grown into a community of activists and been sustained for over 9 weeks. I was even interviewed on live TV (MSNBC's the Beat with Ari Melber) and photos have been featured on Rachel Maddow.

Portrait Painting with Jane French

January 2025 - I follow Jane French on Instagram and really love her use of color and she is so prolific. When I saw she had a portrait painting course on Domestika, I signed up. It's really excellent: Explore Light and Shade. The image to the left is my portrait of Judith Yaws using Jane French's tutorial. Painted from this reference photo. More of my process photos here.

Drawing Tutor

In November and December 2024, I offered free after-school drawing sessions, 4:15pm on Thursdays at the Richland Community Library. We explored classical approaches to drawing. These guided sessions were focused on exercises that we can did together and you could continue to practice on your own.

Painting People

November 1 - Today I installed my little art show at the Richland Community Library. These are all works that I loved to make and still love to look at. I am so excited to be able to share them with the local community. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, November 6 at 5pm. The exhibit will be open through January 13, 2025.

Painting from Life

In September (2024), I painted from life each day. It reminded me of how wonderful it is to work from live models instead of photos. However, I was a bit too shy to arrange models and worked on still life instead. I think I really learned a lot about the kinds of decisions you make when you are painting under conditions that allow for slight changes in perspective and light. You can really generate something completely different from the kind of copying possible with only a photo.

Dreams of 1996

Wow, I had a memory of this website from when I was in high school (1996!) and I tracked it down: Mouchette.org Turns out it was (is) an art project by Martine Neddam. It is a website of a fictional character, based on film of the same name. Wild stuff. Memorable!

Who is Artful Activist?

Hi! I'm Elizabeth Jenkins. I love to paint people. I organize art events and teach painting classes.

My professional life has grown from exploring ways to apply data and tech to support progressive politics. I have worked for organizations such as SEIU (Service Employees International Union), Greenpeace, and Planned Parenthood.

I lived in China for nearly 10 years with my partner, Jeremy Daum. Now we have a daughter and live in very tiny city in Michigan.

Find me on instagram @artfulactivist