Jeannine Zambrano Coindreau is a talented Mexican artist whose work is all about capturing the beauty in the everyday moments around us. In this interview, she shares her journey—from her early love of art and the inspiration she found in museums, to her return to painting after raising her children. Living in Monterrey, Mexico, Jeannine finds endless inspiration in nature, light, and even the most ordinary objects, like soda cans or candy wrappers. Jeannine talks about her creative process, where she explains how she uses photography to set up her scenes and carefully mixes colors to bring them to life. She also talks about the challenges of mastering new techniques and the rewarding feeling of seeing her work evolve.

Jeannine Zambrano is a featured artist in our book “The Creative Process.” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Jeannine Zambrano Coindreau is a Mexican artist born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. Her passion for art has been a lifelong journey, beginning with her early love for colors and creative expression. She pursued a degree in Graphic Design and consistently sought to refine her artistic techniques through various art courses. After dedicating many years to raising her four children, Jeannine rediscovered her passion for art and returned to painting full-time. Her work is often inspired by nature and the subtle beauty of everyday life, with a focus on light, shadow, and intricate natural forms. Her ultimate goal as an artist is to create pieces that move others emotionally and inspire them to recognize the beauty in the world. Through her art, Jeannine aspires to spark creativity and encourage people to follow their passions. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions and is preparing for upcoming shows in 2024.

1. Can you share what first inspired you to become a realist artist, and how living in Monterrey influences your work?

When I visit museums when I travel, I’m always drawn to realistic art. There’s something about how those pieces capture time and feeling so precisely, almost like they freeze a moment in all its richness. That fascination with detail is what inspired me to pursue art seriously. For me, it’s both a technical challenge and a tribute to the natural world; I want to get as close as possible to capturing every little detail, almost as if I’m preserving a small piece of reality. Living in Monterrey has played a huge role in shaping my work. We have such a vibrant art community here, filled with talented artists who explore so many different styles and ideas. Being around them pushes me to keep learning and improving, and I feel like there’s always something new to be inspired by.

I hope that when people encounter my work, they feel a sense of awe, similar to what I feel when I stand before a masterpiece in a museum.

Jeannine Zambrano

2.  You emphasize capturing the beauty of everyday moments—what are some specific objects or scenes that you find particularly inspiring?

Inspiration often finds me during walks in nature, where I stop to observe the world around me. Simple interactions, like a butterfly landing on a flower or a bee darting from petal to petal, captivate me. I’m also fascinated by the way sunlight creates these intricate plays of light and shadow—it brings a certain magic to everyday scenes, and I feel compelled to capture that fleeting moment in my art. On the other hand, I’m equally drawn to everyday objects—things like soda cans or candy wrappers. They may seem ordinary, but their vibrant colors and familiar shapes are a part of all our lives. They hold a shared nostalgia, a collective memory of flavors, scents, and moments. For me, capturing these items is a way of documenting the common threads that connect us in today’s world.

3.   How do you approach the process of transforming a blank canvas into a vibrant piece of art, and what do you enjoy most about that journey?

My process always begins with a photoshoot. Once I have a theme in mind, I set up the scene, carefully arranging the composition and experimenting with light. Sometimes I work with natural sunlight, other times with the glow of a lamp, but light and shadow always play a crucial role in my setups. I take multiple photos from different angles until I find the one that feels just right—that single image becomes my constant reference as I paint, guiding me to capture every detail as accurately as possible. Mixing colors is another essential part of my process. I’m meticulous about getting the tones just right, spending time to match them as closely as possible to my reference. Then comes the actual painting, where I use soft brushes and an enormous amount of patience. I take my time, adding layer upon layer, and working gradually to bring the piece to life. What I enjoy most is stepping back at the end of the day and seeing the progress I’ve made. It’s a special kind of satisfaction to watch the canvas evolve little by little. And when the piece is finally complete, that moment is incredibly rewarding.

4.  You mention the magic of watching your artwork evolve. Can you describe a moment in your creative journey that felt especially transformative or significant?

I’m currently working on one of my most challenging pieces yet, and it has been a deeply transformative experience. This artwork includes a variety of textures, each requiring a different technique to bring it to life. The first texture is always the hardest—figuring out how to capture its unique feel and depth. But once I unlock the technique for one, the others start to flow more naturally. It’s a slow process, layering and refining, but with each texture I master, I feel myself growing as an artist. Little by little, I push my boundaries, and every step forward in this piece feels like a significant achievement.

Simple interactions, like a butterfly landing on a flower or a bee darting from petal to petal, captivate me. I’m also fascinated by the way sunlight creates these intricate plays of light and shadow—it brings a certain magic to everyday scenes, and I feel compelled to capture that fleeting moment in my art.

Jeannine Zambrano

5.  What do you hope viewers take away from your art, and how do you want them to feel when they encounter your work?

I hope that when people encounter my work, they feel a sense of awe, similar to what I feel when I stand before a masterpiece in a museum. I want them to be captivated, wondering about the techniques and details, and feeling that spark of curiosity that invites them to look closer. I hope that my art inspires others to challenge themselves, perhaps even to explore the world of art themselves. More than anything, I want my work to evoke a feeling of peace and wonder, leaving viewers with a moment of quiet reflection and inspiration.

6. As a woman in the arts, what advice would you give to other aspiring female artists looking to make their mark?

Balancing everything can feel challenging as a woman in the arts, especially if you have a family. For me, family always comes first, and it’s important to remember that you can still make time for your art—no matter your life stage. It’s never too late to start or to chase your creative dreams. My kids are proud of what I do, which inspires me daily. Through my work, I hope to show them the importance of perseverance and the value of pursuing your passions, even if the road is long. My advice? Follow your dream, keep going, and trust that your journey will inspire those around you.

Jeannine Zambrano Coindreau’s art is all about seeing the beauty in the small details of life. Through her realistic paintings, she encourages us to slow down and appreciate the world around us—whether it’s a moment in nature or a familiar object. To learn more about Jeannine Zambrano, click the following links to visit her profile.

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