Madeline Island Plein Air Event at Bell Street Collective

2026 Event Judge

Jack Dant is a St. Paul, Minnesota artist whose painting subjects range from landscape and still life to portrait and figures. He is drawn primarily to realism in the style of the American Impressionists; however, his technique and style continue to evolve. Jack enjoys painting outside on location (plein air) as well as painting in his studio. He has studied Flemish techniques in still life and portrait with Jeff Hurinenko, and spent many years studying landscape painting with friend and mentor Joe Paquet, using direct painting methods and the prismatic palette.

Jack has taught plein air and studio painting to a variety of audiences, from teens to adults. Instruction subjects over the years have included plein air painting, studio work, painting moving water, and painting rocks.

His public presentations have included:

• “Exploring Plein Air Painting – The History and Practice of Plein Air Painting in Minnesota”, for the Twin Cities Bungalow Club, 2023
• Solo show, “A World Observed” Opening Reception talk, Blanden Art Museum – Fort Dodge, Iowa, 2024
• Closing Presentation and Demo for the Gunflint Trail community upon completion of the first annual Gunflint Trail Historical Society Artist-In-Residence Program, 2023

In addition to painting, Jack has been exploring sculpture and casting in bronze. He has developed a home casting studio where he completes all aspects of the sculpting and casting process. This summer, Jack will be retiring from a career in Medical Device Product Development, where he has developed products ranging from spinal implants, surgical instruments, guidewires, leads, and complex catheters for a variety of interventional procedures.