Rachel Jones and Art

 This month, We Have Been Found Out and Whisper 1 ventured out to a couple of exciting even.  Florence Regional Arts Alliance held its10th  Annual Small Works show. These shows are great for first time or seasoned collectors. There is always space for these little creations with big impact. This show is still on view until October 9 at  HopeHealth Streater Community Center, 301 North Dargan Street, Florence, S.C. Whispers 1 is part of a triptych. Triptych detail of The Whispers by Rachel Jones Georgetown held their 4th Annual Art & Wine Walk. This is an art extravaganza with live painting events, art and craft booths, living art, music and of course… wine. This community event houses the juried pieces in main street businesses to be viewed. My piece,  We Have Been Found Out  was hosted by the Gullah museum. (I learn something new every time I visit there). It was awarded the 2nd Place prize. It is always rewarding (no pun intended ) when fellow ar...

Let me tell you a little story... When I was younger and could stay awake all night, a friend and I would arrange "midnight" picnics. It was all so very poetic and gothic in our young impressionable minds. We'd go to bed as normal (as instructed by the parentals)  then we would awake around 1 or 2 AM when we were sure all were asleep. We'd make cantaloupe soup, then sneak into the woods behind her house in the Lowcounttry amongst the fireflies to read poetry, dance, stare and the night sky and talk until almost sunrise. We would then sneak back into our beds and await her mother's call for Breakfast. We thought we were so very cool. Maybe we were, maybe we were not. But what I  know, is our imagination was out of this world. And we believed we were fairies and the jasmine scented magic of the night was ours alone...  as long as no one found us out.    This little memory was the inspiration behind this painting... "We Have Been Found Out".  Here are a few...

HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY TOO by Rachel Jones  I Thought it best to begin this post with a Positive. There has been an absence. There have been some negatives recently that I am powering through. But who hasn't hit a rough patch or two? Those I love and the ability to create have been a source of release and healing. I've been returning to a bit a poetry more which often has a line that echos exactly what I feel. Have you ever had that happen? Well hopefully I am back on track. And if that is only for now... I'll take that as a win. More to come. Thanks for those who have hung in there. -r

 I thought this would be a great opportunity to do a Deep Dive into a painting I recently finished.  I wanted to create a piece of art and a time capsule of  the things that currently occupied my mind during the process. Number One: The Macdonald Sisters. Margaret and Frances Macdonald were two Scottish sisters who were instrumental in the early days of the Glasgow School of Art. They make for a very interesting read.  There are many aspects of their process  I admire,  but I especially liked the painting on raised details.  By using QoR watercolor ground on panel, I already had an interesting texture.  I next wanted to take it to the next level in their style when they painted jewels and curves.  There was more originally, but I brought it back to what you see pictured below.  After all… I only wanted a "nod" not a copy.  Detail by Rachel Jones Number Two: Vincent van Gogh letters.  I love handwritten letters. I still keep b...

 So What Has Been On View Thus Far in 2025? … Oil on Aluminum by Rachel Jones Oil on Aluminum by Rachel Jones Watercolor by Rachel Jones Watercolor by Rachel Jones

We Fell Into A Wanderlust is a little series I’ve been  playing around with for a very long time. It acts as a muse in itself, mirroring real and imagined parts of my existence and those I know. It borders on full awareness and hypnagogia. Here are two of the latest. They are currently available through  Art Harbor Gallery  in beautiful Georgetown. I’m heading back into the studio now.  Have the Happiest of Mondays. -rachel  Studio shot of We Fell Into A Wanderlust I & II By Rachel Jones 

 There are so many things brewing in the studio, yet… My current life is really real. I know EVERYONE’S life is “real”. That’s the entire notion behind SONDER. However, for an artist, reality can cause riffs in the creativity flow. There are several oil paintings in progress in a studio that I’ve not had access to (for various reasons). But where there is a will there is a way. I’m happy to be able to eke out time despite situations to create. I’m happy to be able to push through occasionally. And the times when I’m unable to put pen to paper, the fact that my hand is “itchy” validates me when I have imposter syndrome. I’ve gone back to the good ole kitchen table studio to create the piece below. It is for a show inspired by Indigo. As an artist’s statement, I wrote the following:  Among the many connotations of indigo, I focused on the aspects of wisdom, tranquility and harmony (with a little mystery). Protecting or holding on to the negatives can be very detrimental. Our pro...

 Hello. Hope all are well. More to tell soon.  Rachel Jones 

 June is the beginning of some special shows locally and afar. The 2nd Annual Art and Wine event in Georgetown, SC has a juried show which THE SPEECH OF FLOWERS is included. Also, Sunset River Gallery in Calabash, NC currently is showing Small Works. I did a series of three oil paintings on 5 inch panels. I experimented with a Zorn palette mostly. There were a few extra colors added to achieve certain effects, but I will still persist with the Zorn combination. They are titled  WHISPERS 1,2,&3. Enjoy. -r UPDATE: THE SPEECH OF FLOWERS is also in a digital show for Cape Cod Cultural Center. Click on  This Link  to enjoy the other show entries. This piece is currently available (22” X 30” on Arches paper unframed) and dreamy if I must say so myself.  The Speech of Flowers by Rachel Jones     WHISPERS III, I, and II (order pictured) 

 I love nature. No matter the season, I dream of moments like these- total immersion in stillness  with the smell of earth in the air and nature’s buzz. It not only centers me, but also sparks creativity. If you live in this particular area of the south (or probably anywhere these days) saying the weather is “unpredictable”is becoming the norm. I began these paintings one season and it dragged out for many reasons until now- and various temperatures. This is always a weird stage because due to different paints, time, viscosity… the drying times are very different. One section may appear incorrect and I want to adjust it which often leads to having to adjust other things and before you know it, it’s a completely different painting. Impatience is often the culprit. Oiling-out is the best way I find to balance everything out and see the real colors. However… that can not be done until the painting is touch dry. Again… Patience . So I will put these babies away in a closet or an a...

Shall I go on... or just accept current circumstances? A Very HAPPY MONDAY to, All. Love more. Read more poetry. Go outside. Currently Available works on paper. Sizes are 30” X 22” and 20” X 16”. Contact for details.    Art By Rachel Jones  Art By Rachel Jones  Art by Rachel Jones

By Rachel Jones   Why is it so difficult sometimes to “Finish”. I know what I want to do, yet another project is started. Hopefully the Post-Its will keep me on track this week. 

She Always Brought Joy By Rachel Jones Multimedia on Paper 16” X 20”  This painting was made as a tribute to my sister. It doesn’t look like her. Which had others asking, How is this a tribute? A tribute can pay respect or reference aspects, qualities, or elements of the subject. This individual brought joy and laughter to a space. A refreshing offering like a bespoke fragrant bouquet. I know it’s only temporary, but I miss her. This painting has been juried in by Brian Rutenberg for the Myrtle Beach Art Museum.  It’s for a worthy cause.  I hope the recipient really connects with it.  It is  special. 

Oil painting by Rachel Jones  There is such bliss in nature. Each season has its own character. Each creature its own language. These works in progress have a bit to go… but well on the way. Unfinished it is still my happy place. Until then,  carry on. 

These two paintings were delivered today to  Art Harbor Gallery  in historic Georgetown, SC. We weathered a tropical storm, are enjoying post storm cooler weather, and were treated to a majestic Blue Moon last night. All in all… quite thankful. The paintings are watercolor on quite heavy 300 lb paper. The phlox is one of the many night blooming flowers I was studying. To think when we close our eyes, an entire new world awakens! Support the Arts wherever you are. These are currently available. Happy Weekend, Y’all. -rachel  More thoughts- “Imagine how bright she is…As bright as the sun…Even at night” is the uniting script on the previous post and this one- The Warrior Phlox. Night phlox is used in moon gardens due to its beautiful fragrance and vibrancy in the moonlight. These paintings are the sun and the moon/day and night/the heads and tail of the same coin. Both are currently available through @artharbor.sc 11” X 15” Watercolor on 300lb paper.  The Phlox Warrior ...

There was a record store in the area called Kilgore Trout. The space is now the new gallery of William H. Miller/Artist on 8th Ave. Artist were invited to take abandoned items left to use within or as inspiration for an art piece. I snagged several things, but was mostly inspired by some postcards.  It is oil on canvas 12” X 24”. It is called “A Seat”. A seat means different things to different people depending on time and circumstances.  I had a lot of thoughts and fun painting this one. Enjoy. A SEAT by rachel jones 12”X 24” oil on canvas  

 Beginning July with Nature Vibes. By Rachel Jones

the heart asks more than life can give By Rachel Jones  I’ve played around with this one for some time. I will think it’s finished only to look upon it  another time and make a little change here or a tweak there. This is a place where Nature, fantasy, and humanity merge in a feast for the senses. I was thinking the other day how much energy some put into searching out the differences and what separates people instead of realizing the similarities far outweigh the perceived differences. There is such beauty and diversity in nature. And oh how beautifully it wraps its arms around the earth and asks for nothing. There for our enjoyment and to nourish.  Happy Monday. -r 

There were so many things I wanted to blog/explain about the process, inspiration, poetry, etc. behind this. But in the end…  Welcome one another. Hug More. Love. -rj   Welcome  by Rachel Jones Oil on Linen 30” X 24” WELCOME detail by Rachel Jones  

Let’s look at the story of a painting.  I love nature. These days technology is an essential part of life. We’ve become so dependent upon it that some studies say 70% suffer from Nomophobia. Even new words have been created. We enjoy it and in some instances, NEED it. But, I still dream of my toes in thick grass. On my back facing the sky finding shapes in clouds. Listening to creatures “creature-ing”… Silence. The smell of chlorophyll. Nature’s damp and soft breezes. I try to tell that story in My paintings. After a day at the office, kick off your shoes, loosen your attire and if you can’t take a moment to sit and embrace nature, let a painting take you there.  Below are some progress pictures of the creation of Look, Ponder, and Pause. I could write a lot about it or just let the photos do their job.  Support the Arts wherever you are.  RachelJones RachelJones RachelJones RachelJones   RachelJones Find “ Look, Pause and Ponder ” at  Art Harbor Gallery ....