Rachel Jones and Art

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 ....

 I’ve been working on “smalls” and “larges”. It has been a struggle, but in the end… ONE MUST MAKE THE TIME.  So here is a ‘work in progress’. I’m trying to take my time, think, stick to a plan, while at the same time be free and let nature take its course. It’s just that easy 😆!  Stay tune to see how this one ends up.  Art by Rachel Jones Art by Rachel Jones 

 I began another little series that explores our connection to nature. Below are two pieces. There is nothing I can compare to that feeling of walking barefoot in luscious grass or lying on your back staring at the clouds as the hum of earth and buzz of creatures become that moment’s soundtrack.  One of favorite poets wrote: Delighting in surface change, the glitter of light on waves And I roam elsewhere, my body thinking, Turning toward the other side of light In a tower of wind, a tree idling in air,  Beyond my own echo… - from Journey To The Interior by Theodore Roethke How true that a journey out of doors can take us on an inward journey. Take a moment to unplug.  And I roam elsewhere, my body thinking Part 1 Oil on Linen 22” X 30” By Rachel Jones  And I roam elsewhere, my body thinking   Part 2 Oil on Linen 22” X 30” By Rachel Jones 

 Workshop I’m a real believer that anyone can paint. Even those who say they can’t draw a stick figure. As kids we scribbled with broken  crayons creating worlds from our imaginations without inhibitions. At some point we decided (or someone informed us)  we didn’t know what we were doing… and we put our instruments down.  Once, I taught an ‘After Hours’ class (years before the Paint and Sips) where a person with a high stress white collar job came and left with a piece of work he created and was proud of after saying, ‘I can’t paint”.  Often changing our ideas of what a “successful” painting is or isn’t is the key. When I was asked by Myrtle Beach Art Museum to participate in the traveling Frida Kahlo exhibit by teaching a portrait workshop, how could I say No. She was  a queen of self-portraiture. Many have expressed in various ways that Frida may not have been  ‘the best painter, but was a great storyteller.’ My goal was to have each person well ar...

 I’m enjoying being able to get out and about in nature and hope you have too. I actually always enjoy nature. My ultimate trip will be to Iceland and until I get there…I’ll dream about fairytale lands existing in realities. I’ve been creating my own little universe, or at least I’ve begun. I have several pieces planned but have gotten far enough on this one to share. I still have a bit to do but here is a Happy Monday  post to keep us inspired. -Rachel Work in progress by Rachel Jones  Just beginning… by Rachel Jones