Janette C. Harmon Obituary (1933 - 2010)

Jan Harmon was born August 28, 1933 in Lewiston, Idaho to William and Helen Huff. She passed away peacefully in her sleep July 16, 2010 at her home in Yarnell, Az. Jan grew up in northern Idaho, became a longtime resident of Lake Havasu City, and now resides in Yarnell. She was a talented artist with each of her art pieces showing her love of the West. Words to describe her work might be serene, soft, strong, simple and even sensual, definitely not afraid of color. Paintings of her "West" include brilliant skies, earthy colors, and simple shapes. There is a solid feel for warmth of the people, pueblos, landscapes and animals of "everyday things" with a special focus on light, shadow and texture. When asked how she started as an artist, her eyes soften with the memory and recollection of a high school teacher who gave her the extensive art education. Jan stopped painting for 20 years to raise her children, and gratefully, she returned to her art when she moved to Lake Havasu City. When asked which artist inspires her, definitely "Georgia O'Keefe". Jan is known for her large softly textured oil and pastel painting and mostly of southwest influence. Her pastels are very unique as they are on canvas, just as you would paint with oils. While experimenting one day she developed a technique to permanently adhere pastels to raw canvas, the pastels don't come off. She has also painted large murals, one of which is in Lake Havasu City in the Bridge Room of the Holiday Inn, "Making the transistion to murals wasn't difficult because I do really large paintings". she says. Jan has won many awards for her work including "Women Artist of the West". She was co-founder and president of the Lake Havasu Arts and Crafts Association which became the Lake Havasu Art Guild. She has displayed her work in Arizona galleries in Scottsdale, Yuma, Sedona, and outside Arizona in Palms Springs, CA., Lewiston, Idaho, Reno and Washoe, Nevada. The artist's Co-op was honored to have her continuing her work including some of her pencil drawings. She also "Played" with gourds and recreates carved petroglyphs on flagstone. In the past she has worked creatively with her children. She and her daughter, Amy, beautifully designed screen printed clothing. With her son Brian, she designed custom homes with passive solar elements, "She is such a treasure to be around and I value our friendship" says Tanya Allen, also of the Artist's Co-op. Jan is survived by her children: Amy Cramer, Jay Harmon, Tracy Harmon, and Brian Harmon and grandchildren: Jason, Aaron, Matthew, Mark and Lora. and great grandchildren: Katalin, Keeley, and Darla.