Rachel Jones and Art

The Triple Threat Challenge I decided to give myself a little challenge and work on something a with more details. I fell in love with some mask that I found and thought that may be good place to begin. There was also the challenge of the mask being white. And as we know, white is never really white. So this was a double challenge. Actually, it was a triple challenge. As you can see from the top photo, there is a bare place where hair should be above the ear. The model has lovely dreadlocks. I was contemplating how to approach them so they were still beautiful, but did not compete with the mask. I never figured that out, so she is without dreads. I suppose two challenges in one painting was enough to tackle this week. There is always next week...and another painting. oil on wood by Rachel Jones oil on wood  by Rachel Jones

The girls are framed and available. Contact me if interested. Primary Girls oil on 4 X 4 blocks by Rachel Jones

Having fun working on some little wooden blocks. Here is a little play by play. The first idea was to do watercolor, but it felt more like it should be oil as it progressed. oil by Rachel Jones oil by Rachel Jones oil by Rachel Jones oil by Rachel Jones

My ideas are finally coming together little by little.  I now have more blocks in the works... by Rachel Jones It seems that working smaller is fueling me and so much less daunting. Having a creatove block is dreadful as fellow painters, writer, creators, are aware.  I had a lovely session with a local model and one more session to go.  I will then have plenty of material. Now on to making that first big stroke with brush and thick buttery oils onto canvas. oooh...ahhh... I also am making recessed frames for smaller blocks with found wood, rulers, wood glue, and stain... by Rachel Jones by Rachel Jones They may not be pretty, but I rarely do pretty. 

by Rachel Jones 4X4 oil on wood by Rachel Jones 4X4 oil on wood by Rachel Jones 4X4 oil on wood

Though it may appear so, I've Not been idle.  I've been artfully simmering. I had a really great idea that I wanted to carry out. The more I thought about the great idea it became a gargantuan idea... Or at least in my mind. It was becoming so grand that I had to take a little time to slice it up and work on little pieces at a time instead of treating it as a whole and becoming overwhelmed.  So now I have a very hopeful model (massive part of the plan). I have most of the props. I have a story, though I want it all to evolve as it may once all the players are in the same room. I think I have a space. And what is left is lighting. I'm heading back to my chiaroscuro stage and lighting is key.  I'll be back in a bit after a bit more planning and a massive amount of painting. I'm a little excited.

After a bit of a hiatus, I've picked up the brush again.  I have been working on lots of little watercolor sketches in order to continue to practice the techniques learned from the workshop discussed in previous blogs. However, my oils were calling out to me. I did a little blocking in today. My theme is "WAITING". More to follow soon. I apologize to those who have asked about the AVAILABLE for purchase page. I am updating as quickly as possible and trying to make the page a little bit easier to navigate. Thank you for your understanding. Feel free to continue to ask about anything seen in the blogs. oil in progress by Rachel Jones Have a great weekend, all.