Jane Seymour to show art in Schaumburg

Actress and artist Jane Seymour has a lot on her plate - or shall I say palette - these days.

While juggling her acting roles - her latest Hallmark Channel TV movie "Dear Prudence" may become a regular series - and the lives of her husband, director James Keach, and their six children, the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress is exhibiting her paintings in galleries across the country.

Seymour will be on hand to present her artwork and greet the public on Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Wentworth Gallery in Schaumburg.

Seymour, 57, recently spoke (between bites of her morning toast) about her artwork, her acting and what makes people stop and stare at her these days.

Q. You are so well-known for many of your roles: the Bond girl Solitaire from the film "Live and Let Die" or Dr. Michaela Quinn from TV's "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." Some people may not even know that you paint. How did this begin?

A. It really began about 17 years ago when I went through a terrible divorce. Then the stock market crashed, and I lost everything financially. Emotionally, things were about as bad as they could get. In the depths of despair, I found myself painting watercolors and really being swept away by this experience. I became addicted to art. I processed all my feelings through these paintings. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be showing them at galleries and people would be collecting them. My paintings are about as personal to me as one can get. They are like my babies.

Q. What types of works will you be displaying at the Wentworth Gallery in Schaumburg?

A. There will be watercolors, pen and inks and a lot of new pieces from my latest theme - "the open heart." If your heart is open it will never stay broken. There's a new self-portrait of me in a garden, some Monet-inspired pieces, landscapes and children. And some flower portraits with the face of a flower.

Q. Do you find ideas for your canvas everywhere in your life?

A. Yes. One of the exciting things about painting or creating art is that the way you see things changes - the colors in the grass or on a peach. It's a feast for the eyes - an all-day experience.

Q. Your studio is where you can relax and let the creativity flow?

A. Yes. I have a lovely art studio here at home. It's my place to get away. I'll just nip up there and spend a half an hour painting. I play some beautiful music, and I like to keep my arms free so that I can really move around. I'm a messy painter. I love the impressionist kind of stroke that happens. I like a lot of paint flying around.

Q. Is there one character you have played that seems to be the one fans approach you about most often?

A. Usually it's my characters from "Somewhere in Time" or "Dr. Quinn" or "Live and Let Die." But lately, people absolutely stop in their tracks, stare at me and say, "I voted for you on 'Dancing with the Stars.'" It's as though I have never even acted (she laughs).

Q. Is painting something you can still see yourself doing when you are 100 years old?

A. Yes, I hope so. You know, my mother died a week before her 93rd birthday. She had severe arthritis and heart disease, and she was blind. But I would be sculpting, and she would take a piece of clay. She could feel it, and she wanted to create too. So I never like to hear people say you are supposed to retire at a certain time of your life. And I keep my heart open every day that something wonderful will happen.

Jane Seymour art exhibition

What: The actress/artist will be on hand to meet with the public and discuss her work. Event is free.

When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4. Both evenings are open to the public. Note: a VIP reception runs from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. This is a one-hour meet-and-greet event for those who have purchased one of Seymour's works.

Where: Wentworth Gallery, 5 Woodfield Shopping Center, Schaumburg. (847) 995-1190.

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