Janet Lehwalder

“I paint on silk.  

I love the way 
silk’s natural luster 
adds light to the colors.  
I love the way you can choose among many surface textures.  
Silk is a strong vibrant 
natural fiber 
that is beautiful all by itself.”

“I paint with dyes.
Dyes permeate the whole fiber,
displaying their color
without hiding the character
of the silk itself.
They flow effortlessly across the silk.  
Taking advantage of this flow 
achieves the smooth blending
and subtle shading 
that is characteristic 
of silk painting.
When a controlled line is desired,
one of several types of resist
can be used to define an area.”

“I often work from photographs.  
I especially love 
the stories told by 
the body language 
of my subjects.
Intricate color shading 
and distinctive line 
also attract me.”

“Finally, I paint to connect with
the best in the world.
I notice a bit of beauty
and want to honor it,
to interact with it,
to be able to revisit it
again and again.”

Moonlight Silks


Since being established by Janet Lehwalder in 1984, Moonlight Silks has encompassed a wide variety of silk painting activities.  

Her painting includes the creation of fine art silk paintings done in a watercolor style, luxurious quilted silk comforters, and a variety of other projects, some very large and some very small.

No less satisfying is introducing Silk Painting to new people.  Classes in the Serti Technique, with special focuses such as quilting and beading embellishment, greeting cards, and framing, are offered in many different venues.  

As a professional Teaching Artist, Janet has over twenty years experience introducing silk painting to people of all ages and levels of experience.  She teaches with patience, positivity, and a wealth of experience.  
 

Swiftcurrent Studios


 Swiftcurrent Studios houses the working space for both the silk painting of Janet Lehwalder and the fine art photography and film making of David Eisenhower.  

Located six miles east of Bellingham, WA, off the Mt Baker Highway, it is a multipurpose space used for art making, classes, presentations, and other  gatherings of up to twenty people. Situated on five acres of open fields and shady forest, the ambiance encourages relaxation and clarity.

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