Rachel Jones and Art

 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) 

  Currently, some of my work is  part of a show at TRAX in Lake City, SC. I have four pieces, but I’d like to focus on these two for a second. This may seem to be a slight departure from my floral figure mix, but it is actually a revisiting of a painting I’ve tackled several times…INSIGHT. Here I present INSIGHT REVISITED and THIRD DEGREE OF INSIGHT. One of my favorite things to do between working on more ‘polished’ pieces is to simply doodle in a sketch book. Often it is necessary to work out composition or ideas, but mostly it is a place where I can just play without any expectations, rules, or eyes prying and scribble until my heart is content.  I find there is magic in that ‘rawness’. It solidly documents the mood or thoughts of a day in a way words cannot. So with these two pieces my goal was to rip a page from that journal and create a ‘finished’ piece without losing the energy and naivety. How did I do?  by Rachel Jones 30” X 22” mixed media by Rachel Jones 30...

There isn’t really a lot to say about this one. I think she is special. There are many fables and poems written about her, I’m quite sure.  Available through  Art Harbor Gallery  The Watcher On White Island Watercolor/Gold/Ink By Rachel Jones we can always do with a little bit of  HOPE

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...

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

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 

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...

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

Washes Over Me I've been quite busy recently finishing up work for my current show Washes Over Me showing in Charleston, SC at North Charleston City Gallery.   ( Phone: 843-740-5854 ) It was a bit of a change from my more detailed smaller pieces to larger, looser, more expressive works. Some of the things that cycled through my mind while painting was the distancing that social media has caused...not just separating people around the world, but often under the same roof. Though there is so much good that technology brings there is always the flip side of the coin. We are finding ourselves unable to communicate, unplug, enjoy the natural world, breathe and see things for what they really are instead of the snapshot presented. There was also lots of music, B movies, and hooping. If you get a chance, head over to the North Charleston City Gallery and see the following up close and personal. - Rachel North Charleston City Art Gallery The following are al l 22"...