Jean Mountford is shown with her featured painting entitled “Punta Cana.” It is inspired by a photo of macaws she took when she was in the Dominican Republic for her niece’s wedding.

Jean Mountford of Scranton has been selected as Artist of the Month at the Dunmore Activity Hub.

Jean started painting decades ago in acrylics, garden painting, and then tole painting. She eventually progressed to landscapes. “I’ve been working with oil for just over six years,” she says. “I love the depth and richness you can attain with oil paint.

Jean has been painting with the class at the Dunmore Activity Hub since late 2010 when she started going to the art class with her sister, who is Jan Lauer, April’s Artist of the Month.

She finds her inspiration from photos, plus a huge assortment of pictures in the instructor’s storage library.

“Sometimes I drive by a scene and try to recreate it,” she explains. “Or I see a picture in a calendar or online and get inspired to put my touch on it.”

Her featured painting, entitled “Punta Cana,” was inspired by a photo of macaws Jean took when she was in the Dominican Republican for her niece’s wedding.

“I simplified the background a bit to highlight the macaws, who posed so beautifully on a wooden railing,” she says.

As for the painting class, Jean points out, “We have so much talent in the class. It’s great to get the support and inspiration from the other members. And, of course, Jill Swersie, our instructor, is a true talent and so helpful with her ideas and support.”

Jean also mentions, “The new director is great and very welcoming. There’s a lot of room for us to spread our wings.

“The music during class makes it relaxing, and I truly believe the art class is very therapeutic.”

The center occasionally hosts an art show, allowing artists to display and possibly sell their paintings. Many other programs are available at the center, including ballroom dancing and tai chi, which were presented at the art show held last October.