Jean began her art training at the Bristol School of Art. In the 1960's she won an award from President Julius Nyerere of the United Republic of Tanzania for an art exhibition in aid of the Tanzanian Leprosy charity. She studied music at the Royal Academy of Music in London. At the age of 19 Jean studied piano which she then went on to teach. After years spent bringing up a family and teaching music Jean returned to painting.

Jean enjoys painting wildlife as it enables her to indulge her love of animals. She also paints fantasy images, allowing her creativity to flow.