Why Painting Became One of Jane Seymour's Most Personal Passions

While audiences know Jane Seymour as an actress, painting has long been part of her everyday life. It’s a creative outlet she turns to not for attention, but for expression and peace.

For many, Jane Seymour is known as a legendary actress, famous for her iconic films such as "Somewhere in Time" and as Dr. Quinn in her award-winning show, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman."

But beyond the spotlight and red carpets, she has also cultivated a deeply personal passion — painting, one that has become her means of expression, healing, and where she finds most joy.

Art That Came Naturally

After years of playing different roles, Seymour turned to art, something that just felt instinctive to her. “As an actress who plays so many different characters, expressing myself in different mediums and styles comes very naturally,” she explained.

In the beginning, she was hesitant and worried about how others would perceive her as an artist. She didn't think people would accept her as a serious artist, especially since she was an actress. But when her first paintings were sold to collectors, that gave her the confidence to pursue her art fully.

There was no formal education. Seymour simply learned by painting alongside artists she admired, often becoming friends and working together in their studios. “I love the way artists share their knowledge,” she said, noting that she’s painted with artists all over the world.

A Daily Creative Escape

For Seymour, painting has become more than just a hobby. It's an emotional escape, finding inspiration everywhere, from nature to fleeting moments that touch her.

“I see potential paintings everywhere and every day,” she said. “I want to capture those moments and images that impact me emotionally and create a memory.”

It's a deeply immersive process for Seymour, who describes painting as "very therapeutic," adding, "Once I start, it’s impossible to stop; I get lost in the process and go into another world.” Seymour shared.

Her work spans landscapes, flowers, waves, self-portraits, sculpture, and abstract pieces, often marked by bold color and movement.

Art Over Applause

When asked how she would compare acting to painting, Seymour said painting gives her full creative control, whereas “Acting depends on many other people’s contributions, so it’s much harder to get work that’s fulfilling or consistent.” She added that art is the closest thing to a constant in her creative life.

The tough part for Seymour, she admits, is letting go of her creations. “I don’t even like to part with my paintings,” Seymour said, but concedes that selling them is practical. She can't keep them all; there's not enough space. And essentially, her joy comes from creating them.

When Art Connects to Her Life

Some of Seymour’s most meaningful pieces are tied directly to her personal history. She painted a self-portrait of her character in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," admitting the role “saved" her life during a difficult period — she was bankrupt and going through a divorce — making the painting a form of reflection and healing.

Another Passion Apart from Painting

But painting isn't the only art form Seymour is passionate about. While painting remains her most personal outlet, she has also extended her creativity into jewelry design.

Her Open Hearts symbol began as a simple painting inspired by her mother’s advice about facing life’s challenges with openness and compassion.

What started on canvas eventually became sculptures and a jewelry line, but painting remains where everything begins — the most honest expression of her inner world.

For Seymour, art isn’t a second act or a side pursuit. It’s something she does simply because, as she’s said, “The enjoyment is the lone reason I do it. Not for money, but for myself.”