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Showing posts from 2019
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Ode to The kitchen table. More than just a place for keys or dinner plates as we stare at each other between chews.  Sometimes it’s much more of a creative place than the easel.  Kitchen Table art by Rachel  Jones 
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On the Easel... This process is a little different for me. I’ve always been interested in having  multiple figures in my work (though it’s often more visions than reaching fruition).  There is a lot of harmonizing that must be done. It’s like making a little commune.  The effort that goes into making sure all get along.  I’ll keep you posted. Oil Work In Progress by Rachel Jones
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I usually have several projects going on at once. It often creates harmony if I am working on a body of work. It is also useful when I do not want to get too rigid. I know it is often considered the norm for artists represented by prominent galleries to consistently create work that is very similar in style. It makes them easier to market. However, I am not in that position. As a small studio working artist I am able to experiment and expand a bit more as I continue to learn. I am interested in several avenues of creation. I like watercolor. I like oil. I like charcoal. I like building. I like clay. I wholly believe I have a recognizable style which carries onto each endeavor. However, I feel each turn informs, influences, expands the other. One may think that a medium is to be handled a certain way. Though there is nothing wrong with that, I find that if I treat charcoal like oil in certain ways, the results can be pleasantly surprising. With this piece I just finished (pictured belo
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Memento Mori In Effect by Rachel Jones detail by Rachel Jones I had this idea for some time of making “functional” art. I love fine art, but in bygone times (I’m thinking   rococo, victorian ) everything seemed embellished. When I visited historical  homes, even the toilet roll holder was a work of art...well you know what I mean. So this is my nod to that era. These little Memento Mori pieces can be hung or used as keepsake boxes. They are a mixture of oil, resin, ink, vellum, etc. - Rachel These   are available .   Contact  for details.  Memento Mori In Pink With Sprinkles by Rachel Jones Memento Mori Box 2 by Rachel Jones 
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I See You. This piece is a mix of Charcoal, Watercolor, and Ink. With the ever looming presence of social media, it’s been noted that there is a decline in “seeing” what is right before you. For some, being told they are seen is empowering and a delight. For others, I See You is threatening. What do you think? I See You Mixed Media on Paper 30” X 22” By Rachel Jones
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The Wallflower Watercolor on Arches by Rachel Jones Sometimes you're the life of the party.  Sometimes you're the wallflower. Attend the party and claim your space. Happy Friday.
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Watercolor by Rachel Jones There is always a story behind my paintings. It isn't always overt. In this one I've included all the elements that would make the perfect solitary rainy day walk in among the trees for me.  Are you able to find all the elements suggested?  Clouds Trees Rainbow  Sun-kissed Introspection 
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I must say, I am really enjoying painting in watercolor this summer. I'm not quite sure if it is a reflection of the transparency and brightness of the season or is it in this heatwave the idea of oils and turps is a bit too much. What I am sure about is the pleasure I've had. Painting puts a smile on my face even when it is difficult. However, there is a different dynamic when I'm painting in oil because of the process of achieving realism, classicism and my storytelling. I know if I persist, I'll get it exactly where I want it to be. Oil painting allows time to pass over the canvas, the painter and for the image to evolve and unfurl. For me, watercolor is more about immediacy and (much like a journal) capturing the atmosphere and head space of that particular painting session. That is not to say there is a carelessness... every stroke still matters greatly . But there is definitely the feeling that I could tackle the same image everyday and come up with a completely
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This feels  suprisingly  comfortable and refreshing.   The oils  have been packed away (for now).  Now on to the next pieces along this same vein. This one is also currently on the SHOP page. mixed media piece by Rachel Jones Art on Paper
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Many artists throughout history have very publicly gone through different movements. Some meticulously worked through realism before venturing into cubism or surrealism or even something without a label. Often they returned to their first love, but sometimes... just sometimes... they discovered their new movement. So it's no wonder that I've been wandering around a bit on the creative front. When I first ventured into painting, I did whatever my heart desired. I played- just like a child. And with it came that childish joy that abandons us over time. When I was old enough to venture into the world and its museums, I discovered the greats . Basically everything The Tate Britain and New York Museums contained. Then I began to see what the   the tri-state area galleries decorated their walls with and how often those very galleries had full page ads and editorials in all the art magazines of Barnes and Noble. I desired to make that stuff that excited me beyond words.  I did
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Are you interested in having a personalized piece of artwork or commissioning an original painting  for your home, office, or workspace? These flowing watercolors are created to reflect and mimic human emotions, social norms, and narratives.  Atmosphere, nature, and individual spirit are combined to design dynamic works stimulating conversation and reflection. Archival Arches Paper is used for watercolors. Other works are on canvas or ready to hang wood panels. More details and options available upon request.   - Rachel Jones Interested in keeping up with the latest? Original Artwork by Rachel Jones
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I’m not just an artist. I’m also an art collector.  There is such joy gazing upon this wall first thing in the morning as the sun comes in with that first cup of coffee before the hustle of the day riddled with technology begins. And the places it takes me in the evening as we wind down with a glass of wine at night. Support Artists.  Their imagination sparks your imagination. 
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This was truly a surprise! I walked into the  Island Art Gallery  REFLECTION show after a really long  day of work. Immediately I was energized by all the kind words, support, and acknowledgement from those in attendance. Recognition isn’t essential to practicing your art, but it surely encourages you when honored by your peers. Add caption

Betrayed With a Kiss

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Charcoal on Bristol Paper by Rachel Jones So... I’m falling in love again with charcoal. I love the immediacy, the texture, the messiness.  Though I’m known for mostly painting females, I adore the structure of the male face But there is always that fear that I cannot do it justice-  especially if it is a male I’m not close to. I know almost every detail of my husband’s topography. So the real challenge was ‘could I paint a man I’ve never met’? I perused a lot of virtual friends until I found this gentleman that not only has an interesting and charismatic face anyway, but also great with lighting and photography. ‘In for a penny, in for a pound ‘ they say... I attempted a double portrait. It is tentatively titled “Betrayed With A Kiss”. Not only are there various aspects of each personality...those personalities are not always friendly to each other.  Sometimes outright enemies, sabotagers, betrayers, manipulators, gaslghters... You get the idea. Can not wait until I get the cou
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Ask me some questions...... I had the pleasure of being part of an exhibit curated by Dr. Sarah L. Webb . The exhibit is currently on display until April at CAB Art Gallery   UNCW. The show explores "Colorism". If you are not aware of this term, please look it up. Chances are you've experienced it, witnessed it, propagated it.... Let's be honest - we all have some sort of bias. Often it is due to miseducation, our community, media... So have the conversations. Learn. Grow.  P.S.   The Cellist hiding in the corner was AMAZING! Dr. Sarah L. Webb /  (doll art by Stephanie Brown )                                                             CAB Art Gallery at UNCW                                                           Don't Put Me In A Box /Detail of work by Ashley A. Jones   So the piece I was asked to bring was this one: Enlightened by Rachel Jones This is one of my favorite paintings. For me, it isn't a focus on the outsid
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It has been raining since last year... Here is a little Princess I recently painted while stuck in. Watercolor and Gold Leaf.  Very Little Rules Applied. Enjoy by Rachel Jones