What is the best thing that I love about my work?  I love how people react to my paintings.  Everything about creating them brings me a lot of joy, but the very best part is seeing the look on my customers face when they see the painting for the first time, or reading their review once they receive it in the post.  It makes it all so worthwhile.

What is my idea of happiness?  My life right now comes pretty close! I think happiness comes from working towards a goal.  It’s not about the achievement, but the meaning and motivation that comes with working towards something, and getting closer every day.  Once I finish a painting, I feel a wonderful sense of achievement, but then begin another one right away. For me this is happiness.

What is my greatest fear?  Honestly, having to stop painting one day when I’m old.  I intend to immerse myself fully in my local artist community, and to keep working for a long as I live. 

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?  I’m too impatient.  I want things to happen right away. 

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?  Many other artists that I follow on instagram inspire me, like Sophie Tea, who dances to the beat of her own drum, and other less well known artists like Marlen Flatseto and Kalan Mickael.

What is my greatest extravagance?  Buying work by other artists.  It’s a wonderful feeling – so different from just looking at an artist’s work.  The moment a painting is actually mine, it’s like owning a piece of magic.

On what occasion would I lie?  I definitely use ‘white lies’ from time to time, to save people’s feelings. I try to avoid big lies though, as they almost always come back to get you.  No lie is without its consequences.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I dislike how long my paintings take me, I wish I could work faster!

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?  I have a beautiful memory of walking back to my flat, in the days before I had a car, with a HUGE new, blank canvas, and a whole weekend ahead of me planned just for painting.  I felt a deep sense of joy and anticipation.

If I could, what would I change about myself?  I would be more patient, and calm. Sometimes I’m too energetic for my own good!

What is my greatest achievement in work?  I’m pretty proud that one of my paintings was gifted to the former CEO of google, to thank him for buying a yacht!  It meant a lot that my work was considered good enough to offer to a billionaire!

Where would I most like to live? I used to live in Cannes, in the south of France, and I wouldn’t mind moving back there sometimes, when it’s rainy up here in Normandy.  But most of the time I’m happy where I am.

What is my most treasured possession?  I’m not particularly attached to material things to be honest.  I would say I love my home, because it’s where I spend my happiest moments, and I really enjoy making it look as nice as possible. 

What is my most marked characteristic? Probably my upbeat personality, and optimism.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The beaches here in Normandy, without a doubt.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?  I recently discovered a wonderful Mexican restaurant, I had no idea I loved Mexican food so much, it’s so tasty!

What books influenced my life and how?  I really appreciate Jordan Peterson’s work, especially ‘12 rules for life’,  and the Thrive Program is like my bible, I go back to it whenever I feel a bit wobbly.  It helps remind me to keep an internal locus of control, and to feel empowered about my life and my future.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Fleetwood Mac, Simon and Garfunkle, Lana Del Rey, Walker Hayes…I could go on and on but I’ll stick with these for one day!

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? If it’s not a real person, I’m not really impressed. 

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Jordan Peterson is right up there, Ricci Gervais,  Queen Elisabeth. I love people with a strong sense of duty, and who are really honest. 

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? It’s very true, it’s all down to you in the end, nobody else can do anything much for you if you’re not telling the story for yourself.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My dear friend Vanessa was instrumental in me having the courage to become a full time artist.  She really encouraged and believed in me, and helped me practically too.  She’s the most wonderful friend you could ask for.  My husband is pretty amazing too, always totally supportive.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?  I work with yacht companies in general, and I’d love to work with some of the really big ones, like Northrop and Johnson, Camper and Nicholsons and Burgess. My hope is that they see the value in my work, and pass it onto their yachting clients.   

What project am I looking forward to work on?  I’m about to begin two large paintings of relaxing, ethereal seascapes, where I’ll be adding a sailing yacht in the distance.  It will be nice to do something less detailed, and more expressive.

Where can you see me or my work ?  Youtube: Jane Dieu Art   Instagram: @janedieuart,   Linkedin: Jane Dieu   And in the following gallery spaces: Gallery Yaching Style (GYS)  in Saint Tropez, The Artists – Galerie Des Arts, Caen.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?  It’s my life plan – I’ll stop the day I die.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Marlen Flatseo, Helena Perry, Pam Baumeister 

How can you contact me? dieu.jane@gmail.com   www.jdyachtpaintings.com