Abstract Expressionism Reconsidered

Painting on multiple physical layers of 1/8” clear acrylic glass has opened a world of possibilities and approaches to me creatively. In this newly completed abstract painting, the first in what will be a limited edition series, I have taken a technique from mid-twentieth century artists like Janet Sobel and Jackson Pollock, creating something altogether new inspired from an era of abstract expressionism.

What makes this work ‘new’ is the addition and use of various sizes of acrylic glass layered on top of what once was a landscape painting in oil on canvas of aspen trees from Fish Lake National Forest, where Pando lives (another metaphor in my larger body of work for another day). A continuation of my layered landscape paintings in acrylic, this drip painting is a metaphor for how we are losing site of trees and their importance in sustaining life for all. Each layer of acrylic glass on top of the other covers up our visual perception of what once was a forest of trembling giants.

In this painting you will see my own personal style repurposed, beginning with a landscape painting from 10 years of painting oil on canvas, layering multiple layers of acrylic glass on top; a new approach I have been using for the past four years, incorporating drip painting and line tracing to help identify physical depth and space, reimagining a unique abstract composition. Several processes meld into one in this approach to abstract painting.

I hope you enjoy,
JJ

“Not Listening”, 48” x 48” Mixed Media on Canvas layered with Acrylic Glass

Beginning Stages of the Painting Process

Detail of Finished Painting

Detail of Finished Painting

Detail of Finished Painting

Detail of Finished Painting

"What does your conscious say? - 'You should become who you are'." - Nietzsche

In a world full of possibilities, a creative will explore every one for it is the ultimate desire and gift to know oneself through the exploration. The art of being a creative includes constant exploration, pushing boundaries, exploring different approaches, styles and technique. All of these hours spent help me and my practice evolve into the unforeseen and potentially the best possible art over the course of a lifetime.

From creating small abstracts on multi-layered acrylic glass panels to larger works on canvas, my goal is always the same, follow my intuition. Allowing for a call and response with my brush and the painting, I let the art guide my every move. It speaks to me if I listen, and somedays I am better at listening then others.

Here are a couple videos of these two works in progress. So far, I am happy with the results. Perhaps next week I will be able to reveal the completed works.

I hope you enjoy!
JJ

In Progress

Newley Released: Multi-Layered Acrylic Glass Abstract Paintings

Revealed for the first time here in my newsletter, a little something different that I hope you enjoy!

I have been doing a fun series of small abstracts on multiple painted layers of clear acrylic glass. These are great to collect one, two, three, four at a time. Starting small is a great way to collect art, gift art, and enjoy art. These small variations are one of a kind and look beautiful displayed together, side by side.

This body of work is a continuation of my multi-pane paintings. In my abstract series I am painting on the front and back of three panes of clear acrylic glass, creating six layers of paint. All layers interact with the light in a room casting shadows on the back layer, each a unique hand-made paper from around the world.

Click on the link to see the available collection along with a few remaining paintings that are great for displaying on a desk, end table or coffee table. Put art everywhere!

Thank you for looking!
JJ

“I Go To The Barn Because I Like Monsters”, 10” x 10” Mixed Media, Multi-Pane Acrylic Glass Painting

“Happy Hour Hero”, 7” x 7” Multi-Pane Acrylic Glass Table Painting

97th Annual Spring Salon, Springville Museum of Art

It is always an honor to be included in the Spring Salon at the Springville Museum of Art, Springville, UT! Out of more than 1,000 juried entries, 250 are chosen each year to be on exhibit.

The history of the museum began in 1903, becoming Utah’s first visual art’s museum. It is a beautiful space for contemplating art. Stop in to see the Spring Salon, April 21 to July 3, 2021, showcasing the diversity and quality of Utah Contemporary Art. Take this opportunity to see “Tracing Clouds” up close and peer into her multi-layered paint strokes and get lost in your own imagination.

“Tracing Clouds”, 23.5” x 23.5” Acrylic on Multi-Pane Acrylic Glass
(27.5” x 27.5” Framed)
Available

One of the Remaining Few: Old Ranch Road, Now Collected!

15 years as an artist has taken me down many roads, from the traditional painted landscape with oil on canvas, to today’s approach adding a contemporary twist to the landscape painted on multiple layers of clear acrylic glass. At this point in my career trajectory, I no longer paint using oil on canvas but I do still have 30 paintings left out of the 300 plus that I have created over the years.

All oil paintings from my private collection are now on display in one of two Salt Lake City gallery locations. Take a look at the remaining collection and consider reserving a private viewing of one or several oil paintings that catch your eye.

You will notice some landscapes in the collection are more Fauvist in color, graphic by design. Other oil paintings are from my Classically trained days, in which the landscape is more tonal and traditional. All of these styles and approaches to painting have led me to where I am today, creating and inventing new ways of painting the landscape. When you look, you will see this obvious progression from yesterday to today.

“Old Ranch Road”, 30” x 40” Oil on Canvas
Private Collection