Siteline | The Watercolors of Jessica June Avrutin

As if this part of the world weren’t beautiful enough, artist Jessica June Avrutin makes it even lovelier. Avrutin, who goes by JJ, grew up in Carpinteria and attended Cate School before studying art in Boston at Tufts University and the Museum School of Fine Art. She later moved to New York City, where she was a textile designer for Martha Stewart. Now she’s back in the area, working as a freelance designer, illustrator, and artist. “The plants and colors of Santa Barbara influenced my art from an early age,” she says. “I developed a lifelong obsession with palm trees and succulents, which didn’t stop even while living in New York City. Moving back to town is a return to my roots with a fresh perspective. I love finding new ways to capture the beauty and magic of this place.” As you can see here, this is good news for us. On her website, you’ll find original paintings for sale, along with information on custom projects—including holiday cards, if you get your act together soon. And follow her on Instagram, too.