Latrobe artist Jenna Chartrand

by Hobart Magazine

Jenna is a professional coloured pencil fine artist, originally from Canada but now based in Devonport, with her studio in Latrobe. She specialises in hyper-realistic wildlife art that captures the beauty and spirit of animals with extraordinary detail.

Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?

I grew up in a small city called Fort St. John in Northern British Columbia, Canada. Devonport has been home for 10 years now, and my art studio is based in Latrobe. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

What led you to become a full-time artist and open your own studio/gallery in Latrobe?

I come from a blue-collar family in the oilfield, where I was raised to believe that if you want anything in life, you have to work incredibly hard for it. While I was always artistic, I became a graphic artist first—not only to scratch that creative itch, but also to have a stable income. And while I was good at it, deep down, I just wanted to create art. When COVID hit, like many people, I had a chance to look inward. I decided to go part-time as a designer and full-time into my art. I drew more, started doing markets, made prints, created a website—I learned it all from the ground up. Two years ago, a small, run-down space popped up for lease in Latrobe. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and when I finally signed the lease and got the keys, I sat down on the floor and cried in a what-on-earth-have-I-done moment. Thankfully, it’s gone well. A lick of paint, new flooring, and that once-vacant shop became my art studio—a place where I can create and people can wander in.

What draws you to animals as your main subject matter?

I think we’re all drawn to wildlife in some way. It’s why we pull over to watch animals on the roadside, why we slow down for an echidna crossing the road, or instinctively yell “cow!” when passing a paddock. Animals captivate us—they’re beautiful, wild, and awe-inspiring. In today’s world, nature often feels distant from our daily lives. Through my artwork, I try to bridge that gap and create moments of connection.

Your artworks are incredibly lifelike. Walk us through your creative process.

If I’m not in the studio, I’m out in the bush—birdwatching, hiking, 4WDing, fishing, hunting, camping, boating. I love it all. It’s amazing what you experience outside, especially here in Tassie, where nature is right on your doorstep. These experiences, and the stories that come with them, eventually find their way into my artwork. One of my recent pieces, Last Encounter, featuring the Tasmanian Tiger, began with weeks of research—reading, visiting museums and galleries, and listening to old bush tales shared by locals. From there, I pieced together sketches and created the final artwork: a large coloured pencil piece and the first in a planned series of three thylacines in their native Tasmanian habitats.

What can people expect to see at your studio?

My gorgeous little art studio is in a late 1800’s heritage-listed building in Latrobe, and it’s full of my artwork, prints, and giftware. You’ll often find me sitting by the windows working on my latest piece, but don’t hesitate to pop in, say hello, and ask questions. That’s why I opened the studio to the public—to share the art process and connect with others who love wildlife and creativity. My work can also be found at www.jennachartrand.com, in select shops around Tasmania, and at various markets including the Tasmanian Craft Fair.

Who do you admire?
Dr. Jane Goodall—she’s always been a woman I’ve looked up to.

Favourite podcast or TV show?
Grey’s Anatomy will always be my go-to when I’m drawing. I know it all by heart now—I don’t even watch it!

Secret vice?
A glass of Tasmanian whiskey in front of the fire. My current favourite drop is Wedding by Furneaux Distillery.

What are you reading right now?
Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn.

Do you have any pets?
Two English Springer Spaniels—Diesel and Moose.

What was your first job?
At 13, I worked as a dishwasher at a local diner. Saturday mornings started at 4:30 a.m.—that didn’t last very long!

What are your daily news/social media habits?
I spend far too much time on Instagram, read ABC News on the app every morning, and watch local news every evening.

Local Favourites

Breakfast: Coffee and toast at the shack.
Lunch: The Truffledore in Lower Barrington.
Dinner: Home—my partner’s a cook, so I’m a tad spoiled.

Dream holiday destination?

Antarctica!

Favourite Tasmanian secret?

Yingina/Great Lake is one of my favourite places in Tasmania, and where you’ll often find me exploring if I’m not at the studio.

Parting words

“Progress is quiet and slow.”

Love this

Extras

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