Rachel Jones and Art

 I had the lovely privilege of teaching a “Value Painting” workshop earlier. It really is such an essential part of successful art. Each time I share what I’ve learned with others, it helps me to get back to basics and sounds down these principles. I’ve been revisiting how careful consideration of these elements can draw the viewer’s eye to specific points in the work and how to manipulate this. More on that in a later post.  In the meantime…  How cute are these lockets?!!! I’ve always loved miniatures. To have a lock of hair or an image of the luscious lips or piercing eye of a loved one as a token close to the heart wasn’t just for times past. Feel free to contact to commission your own keepsake.  Lockets by Rachel Jones Lockets by Rachel Jones

  Did you buy a set of paints and brushes with  the intention of becoming a master?  Well we can’t promise mastery in one day…  But now is a great time to blow the dust off and learn the  essential skills to get you well on the way.  Contact  Art Harbor  for all the details. 

  Beetle Detail by R.Jones  It was a slower process than expected (due to life in general) but I finally finished the oil painting that corresponded to the preliminary watercolor I painted in my sketch book!  😃 Yay, Me!!!  I wrote about this in a previous post and made a short YouTube video about it.  The idea was that this process helps with making better ‘master’ paintings. Though I have done similar sketches before, it is not the norm and they are usually more linear sketches than a more detailed finished work. Below is the first study.   Kindred Of Nature study by Rachel Jones Making a study beforehand helps to solidify ideas, work out problems such as composition, figure out the color palette, and so forth. Personally (once I get over the fear of the white canvas) I look forward to the natural progression of a painting. Though there is always a plan, there is a certain ‘magic’ that happens when one ignores the references and just paints. I didn’...

By Rachel Jones Hello, All    As I recuperate from a recent incident, I decided to try a few new things. Usually once I have an idea for a painting, I begin it. We often have “that” moment before our easel where we doubt if we ever really knew what we were doing in the first place. Unfortunately, that’s part of the game. But I read recently where a painter was saying how preliminary sketches of the work helps to work out some of the kinks and a small painting is done before every painting (Phew!). I’ve always believed the problem solving happened once the painting started. But, I’m not too old to learn. So I thought I’d give it a try. I wanted to make an oil painting depicting one of my familiar themes (nature inspired) . So I pulled out one of my many sketchbooks (why do I continue to buy more🤔) and put the idea down using watercolor, gouache, pens and forethought. If nothing else, I thoroughly enjoyed the process. Has it helped with the bigger picture? Time will tell so sta...

 When I began to delve more into realism, I painted my “Searching” piece. It is oil on panel. It is a smallish piece (7” X 5”) but I think it is one of my most powerful works. An unexplainable bond forms as a work is created since it is just you and your thoughts and the work hours on end. I’m pleased that  Cape Cod Cultural Center  also appreciated the idea behind this little piece. It was awarded 1st Place in their online exhibition A Perfec Moment.  Please take a moment, to view the other winners and the entire exhibit. The juror/curator was Rob Warren. This prize wining piece is available. Contact me for details. 

As I get back into the swing of things…. Here are a few newer items added to the  From The Studio  page.   If this is your first time visiting my blog- Welcome.  Please look around, read older posts, ask questions and get a sense of who I am,  where I’ve been, and what I do.  art by rachel jones art by rachel jones   art by rachel jones

  if you believe you’re a poet,  (then you’re saved.-gregory corso) Currently on view at  William H Miller Art Studio and Gallery   A great opportunity for first time collectors.  Rachel Jones Watercolor/Mixed on paper