Jennifer Krantz was born and raised in the Rockford area.  She graduated with an Associates of Arts degree from Rock Valley College and will graduate in December from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  Her emphasis is painting.  

She paints with oils and acrylics and has painted for a majority of her life starting with her weekly oil painting class at age seven.  She takes pleasure in the sense of freedom painting gives her along with the intense challenge of making something beautiful and meaningful for other people to enjoy.  Her inspiration for the "Opulent Indulgences" series came from the antique crystal chandelier that hung in her 1920's style home.  She loves the beauty and romanticism that chandeliers add to a room.  Her paintings incorporate a translucent linear style, a use of pattern, and a complexity that plays with space within the paintings.  Her focus was to create aesthetically pleasing paintings that capture a complex beauty, mystery, and a feeling of nostalgia.  Krantz's art show is displayed at the Brick House Gallery of Art at 620 North Church Street in Rockford.  The opening reception is Friday, November 11th from 6-9pm or visit regular gallery hours on Saturday, November 12th from 12-5pm.