If variety is the spice of life, then Jessica McCain is a satisfied artist. The subjects that appeal to her are a broad range from still life to landscape to figures. Variety is not only apparent in the subjects she paints, but also in her technique. She is also equally adept at sculpting, and has done quite a few monumental size bronzes, some are in public art collections.

To look at one of Jessica McCains` paintings one can see a wintery painting that looks cold and desolate, sunshine that seems to burn hot, figures lonely, proud or shy are somehow mysteriously conveyed. Surface magic is done with the brush to manipulate color, edges, texture, line and shapes. These visual elements that create a dialogue between themselves is basically trickery with paint.
"For me, art is a personal communication between the artist and the viewer. Sometimes the message is badly transmitted; but then there are those moments when art is glorious in theme or composition or both, leading to something beyond the painting itself. The real essence of a painting is not the subject matter, my paintings are not about exact portrayal of detail. I use exaggeration where appropriate and take a lot of license. Intuition plays a big part in my paintings, I have learned to trust this, and recognize it`s significance, for often it is this intuition that is chasing that elusive mood that is essential for a successful painting. I have learned that technical skill must be mastered to transfer your aesthetic to canvas, but it is the emotion and intuition that go in to it that make the painting art."

Born in California, raised in Alaska, art has occupied McCain for most of her life. She was taught sculpting and painting by her father, and continued education at the Art Students League, Old Lyme Academy, and has ongoing lessons at the Scottsdale School of art. Education is an ongoing thing, and drawing classes are still part of her routine. Today she lives in Tucson Arizona and paints in her studio beside her home. When the summers are too hot, she takes off for California, for a milder climate.