I Did A Thing, Actually 2 Things

Thing 1 & Thing 2 Complete!

These two abstract paintings began as one large, raw canvas on the floor. Using a large squeegee and paint rollers with long handles, I pushed around spilled paint on the canvas to create the initial layer. Returning to the studio floor over a period of days, waiting for paint to dry, I add new layers before taking the one large canvas to the framers to make the beginnings of what would become two stretched canvas paintings.

Once the canvases were stretched, I worked on them on the wall over the course of several weeks. Reacting, listening to the initial process I created on the floor. Using a three foot long paint brush, I emphasized some marks, obscured others, while adding to the layers of the painting with a variety of mixed media, from latex paint to acrylic, paint markers, and oil pastels. I finalized this diptych just days ago.

I promised I would share these abstract paintings once completed. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

ONE Modern Art in Salt Lake City, UT is open by appointment. Schedule your private viewing today!

Kindly,
Janell

Thing 1 (Left) & Thing 2 (Right), Mixed Media on Canvas, each 60” x 40”

Thing 1, Detail

Thing 1, Detail

Thing 1, Detail

Thing 2, Detail

Thing 2, Detail

Thing 2, Detail

300 Plates Art Access Fundraiser

I am excited to be a part of 300 plates again this year, helping Art Access raise funds to create art programs for people of all abilities. Individual tickets are now available. Each ticket is $25 giving you exclusive access to the plate sale beginning at 10 AM on Thursday, May 20 until Friday, May 21 at 10 AM when the sale will be open to the public. There is no limit on how many plates may be purchased. Visit link below to get your tickets.

Here are my two plates available for collecting during the fundraising event. The back reflective layer is an aluminum printing plate traditionally used during 300 plates’ fundraising event. These printing plates are back for the first time in several years. I chose to leave revealed the reflective nature of the alumni printing plate behind the three colorful painted layers of acrylic glass. I enjoy the way these 3D abstract paintings interact with the shinny plate becoming a part of the painting itself.

I hope you enjoy and happy art collecting for a good cause!

“Picasso Moon” , 11” x10” acrylic on multi-layered acrylic glass

“Afternoons & Coffee Spoons”, 11” x 10” acrylic on multi-layered acrylic glass

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