Jen Polillo Studios Newsletter
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- 4 min read
Jen Polillo Studios
August 2026
Hello Friends & Family,
August always feels like that sweet spot between adventure and anticipation.
I just returned from Vermont after a few days with my best friend and her family celebrating our birthdays—spa time, waterfalls, swimmin' holes, floating, campfires, long conversations, and a whole lot of fresh air. Every visit reminds me how deeply that place still feels like home. It has a way of calling me back, and I always return feeling a little more grounded and creatively recharged.
Since then, life has been delightfully full. I'm in the middle of a double mural project, which has me painting on a much larger scale than usual, especially if you've seen my tiny portraits and cigar box plein air paintings. If you'd like to follow along, I've been sharing behind-the-scenes updates in my Instagram Stories.
Photography has been keeping me busy too, and I'm incredibly grateful for my wonderful clients.
Lately I've been thinking about how a great headshot can be a genuine expression of appreciation. Whether you're welcoming a new employee, recognizing your team, or simply investing in yourself, a thoughtful portrait says, "You matter." The folks at Rodel understand that. For the past three years, they've welcomed every new hire with a professional headshot session, helping their team members feel seen from day one. At the end of the month they will be hosting a headshot marathon for their affiliate school teachers, who I am delighted to work with! If your organization has been thinking about updating your staff page with professional headshots, I'd love to help.
I'm enjoying my new studio at The Delaware Contemporary, though most of my work these past few months has happened outdoors or on location. Summer has a way of pulling me outside, whether it's plein air painting or with clients. This winter will likely determine how much I use the studio moving forward. I must say, I get great light and have some fun back drops for studio photo sessions...
Ultimately I think that the ideal space for me is a place surrounded by nature—with room for workshops, retreats, artists-in-residence, and space to slow down, make things, and reconnect. Until then, I'm grateful for where I am and for the creative community that continues to surround me. Speaking of my creative community, teaching remains one of the most rewarding parts of my work, and I'd love to see you in class this season. Check out the listings below - there's something for everyone.
As always, thank you for supporting my artwork, trusting me with your photographs, taking classes, sharing opportunities, and cheering me on. Whether we've known each other for years or just recently connected, I'm grateful you're here.
I hope August gives you a chance to slow down, spend time outside, and soak up a little sun before autumn arrives.
all the best,
Jen
The TDC studio space is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.
Art is not a thing, it is a way.
Elbert Hubbard, American Writer
Fine Art Commissions make thoughtful gifts!
HERE'S HOW Its as Easy as 1,2,3!
LEARN with ME
Painting En Plein Aire
for Acrylic, Gouache, & Oil painters
Newbies welcome!!!
$25 / session
Saturday morning drop-in sessions
locations include:
Brandywine Park & Historic Old New Castle
LEARN with me at The NCC Art Studio
Drawing & Painting
Open Studio
The mentorship & community you've been looking for!
Join me for this weekly artist community. Build upon your skills, establish a weekly practice, and receive individualized guidance to help you reach your goals. Registration closes
7 days prior to start date.
Fall / Winter
Wed | 8/5 - 9/9 | 1:30-3:30pm
Wed | 9/16 - 10/28 | 1:30-3:30pm
Wed | 11/4 - 12/23 | 1:30-3:30pm
Discover Your Creative Voice: Materials & Techniques for Self-Expression
Are you curious about exploring your artistic side? This supportive and welcoming course designed specifically for Veterans offers a no-pressure environment where you can freely experiment with materials and have fun.
To register call The Art Studio at (302) 995-7661 or email nicole.sexton@newcastlede.gov.
Open Figure Life Model Sessions
Uninstructed, Ages 18+ $15 drop-in fee | exact cash / venmo
FIRST SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
1-3:15 pm
FIRST WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
10:30am-12:45pm
Figure Drawing Basics
Three, 2½-hour classes
$90, $85 NCC Resident
Wed | 8/12-8/26 | 10am-12:30pm
Wed | 10/14 - 10/28 | 10am-12:30pm
Learn the basics of figure drawing and set yourself up for life drawing success! This class is for beginners wanting to prepare themselves for drawing the human figure from life. You will explore the fundamentals, such as landmarks and simple forms through classwork, photo references, and master copies that will prepare you to move on to working from a life model with more confidence. Each session flows seamless into an uninstructed 1st Wednesday Open Figure Life Model Session where you can practice your new skills.
PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
Photography Services to suit you & your small business needs
Time is flying!
The kids are growing fast!
Schedule the session.
outdoors, in-home, &
on-location!
In-home, or on-location documentary-style
photo sessions
are great year-round!
Check out my recent blogposts for family photo session tips!
Full, Extended &
Fly-on-The-Wall Photo Sessions
perfect for:
Branding
Branding images for your website and socials
Creative Collaborations
Let's take your vision and turn it into ART
Fine Art Commissions
Hand Painted Portraits of People, Pets & Places
Branding Photo Sessions for Creatives
An Artist Who Sees Artists
Commercial Photography
Does your Staff Page reflect your organization?
or does it look like a fragmented collection of selfies?
No judgement...
let's work together and give your team a unified professional look,
one that reflects your business
Looking to update your team headshots?
Check out my professional photography services,
and get in touch!
Natural Light & Portable Studio options available
Recent headshots for the teams at
Rodel & Ursuline Academy
This newsletter is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.
Wimington, DE
Check out jenpolillo.com
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