Pistachios and art Wednesday, May 11, 2005

"Woman in a Red Dress," is a self-portrait that Seymour painted from a photograph a friend took of her at the beach. It is part of a private collection owned by Madera resident Scott Shropshire, a pistachio grower. Left, Jane Seymour at opening night of her gallery in Santa Monica.

Malibuite Jane Seymour's gallery gala promotes heart disease awareness.By Bridget Graham-Gungoren / Special to The Malibu TimesShe has won an Emmy, a Golden Globe and, this past weekend, Malibu resident Jane Seymour added a celebration and exclusive gallery opening featuring her art to her resume.

Seymour, who has been painting for almost a decade, partnered with the California Pistachio Commission to raise awareness for women's heart disease prevention through showcasing her artwork.

"Women are nine times more likely to die from heart disease, yet breast cancer is what they fear most," Seymour said in a recent interview.

California Pistachio Commission President Karen Reinecke confirmed the statistics. "Over 350,000 women die from heart disease each year, compared to 42,000 from breast cancer," Reinecke said.

Reinecke and Seymour said they want women to understand that heart disease can be prevented. Pistachios were on the recently announced FDA list as a food to improve heart health, and may actually lower the risks for disease.

Seymour said she spends "almost every waking moment" painting and creates in most mediums, including watercolor, oil, pencil and ink, and pastels.

"I am inspired by so many different things," Seymour said. "...places I'm at, where I'm filming, flowers and my home.

"Her painting of a hyacinth is one of the most popular amongst admirers.

"We grow a lot of flowers; I'll make floral arrangements and paint them," Seymour said.

Ballerinas (she was one), mother and child scenarios, and most recently tulips also inspire her work. Seymour also paints by commission; she just received three last week.

There were more than 50 pieces on display at the opening Saturday night, including pieces from her Jane Seymour Home Collection available only via Internet to Californians, at the Saks Group stores (Carson Pirie Scott, Parisians, and others), and note cards of her work where 100 percent of the proceeds benefit heart awareness and her new art-handbags.

"I love this idea," Seymour said of the handbags. Her work is reproduced on canvas in limited editions, signed and covered to protect the art. Kathleen Henson, who heads the Art for the Heart organization for Seymour, said, "Art has been incorporated into all facets of her life.

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