Jane Hickey Caminos is a raconteur, illustrator of many books, a graphic designer and painter of narrative portraits, primarily of women who lived in the Brooklyn, New York area in the 1930s through the 1950s.


What began as one painting of her Flatbush Avenue aunts has continued for well over 20 years to become an ongoing series of dozens of canvasses. Each relates the personality and story of her subject through the use of vibrant, saturated color, pattern against pattern, and the addition of "props"; any variety of objects from fruits and animals to active landscapes.


The source materials Caminos uses for inspiration are most often small black and white snapshots from the family albums of her own family and those of friends. 


"I look for a personality first, she has got to emanate a mood, a private joke, a special day perhaps when the photograph was taken. It doesn't matter what is in the background. I place my subject on the canvas and then await word from her about what she'd like to be wearing, where she might like to be, and we converse throughout the process until the portrait is completed by the both of us."


There can be problems when Caminos paints duos, trios, and groups of women. Sometimes they don't get along well, or one of them tries to control the group. There are gabbers, givers of the silent treatment, and those who dislike the outfit Jane has given her.  "These woman can act up and make me miserable. Playing music from their era often helps to smooth out any friction, but if they're incorrigible, I'll turn them to the wall for a time out."


Caminos accepts commissions to paint portraits of the living as well as those who are no longer with us. Birthdays, anniversaries and holiday surprises require a six month advance commitment.  If you have photos from the 30s-50s that you believe would make a memorable painting, please send these to: Jane Caminos, 97 Anderson Road, Watchung NJ 07069. Originals will be returned in short order.You may also send digital files to: janecaminos@gmail.com.