"Looking Up" - Things Definitely Are!

Wow! What a couple of great weeks. Summer Solstice is almost upon us and things are definitely looking up. The gratitude I feel for the many art collectors and art lovers supporting visual arts, and my personal artwork, is both empowering and humbling as an artist. Thank you for taking your time to peruse my newsletter each week and for showing an interest in my creations!

“Looking Up” found a home here in Salt Lake City, UT this past week with thanks to Forsey’s Fine Furniture and their team of local designers. This lovely grouping of Aspen trees can be found on a hike at the top of Millcreek Canyon. I always love my time in the mountains among these gentle giants. Hearing their leaves jingle like a type of foliage currency fills my soul bank as the wind moves these trees unanimously to and fro. Nature is a source of meditation and calming peace for my mind.

I hope in the coming days you can find yourself amongst the trees, taking some time to listen to what they have to say as they jingle and sway.

Cheers and Happy Summer Solstice!
Janell

“Looking Up”, 30” x 24” Oil on Canvas

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

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

Portrait Commissions Available

New for 2020
Portrait Commissions

"I have always admired and collected Janell's unique multi-pane art.  When I learned that she was going to apply portraiture to the unique style she has developed, I instantly knew that she was the artist commission I had been searching for to capture my two daughters.  I wanted something that exemplified their youth and life, while at the same time -- wanting a piece of art that stood on its own, the kind of portrait that could be collected, even if you weren't personally attached to the subjects.  The work that Janell produced exceeded my expectations in every way, and is a testament to her artistic talent.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!"

Steven

THE ART OF A PORTRAIT

Inspired to explore the endless possibilities of paint, light and the effects of layering through a process I created almost four years ago, I have found portraiture to be a subject that continues to call to me creatively. 

Recently completing my first portrait commission, it all began with a curious collector who wanted something new and different that would stand the test of time and be completely authentic in its own right as well as originally creative. It was quite an honor to be called to paint his two daughters and so we got started right away! 

Beginning in my artist studio taking photos, having fun with the poses, laughing while finding something fun to translate in paint, my signature fauvist coloration and layering came to light in my minds eye. 

Continuing to explore my unique layering process allows for a freedom of depth that can not be translated as effectively on canvas. Taking abstract shapes and form, light and shadow and layering these on the front and back of five panes of clear acrylic glass, leaves room for creative expression and imagination looking into the completed work of art. 

CLASSICALLY TRAINED

Trained in Classical Realism from 2006-2009, I studied at the Bay Area Classical Artist Atelier in California and Studio Escalier in Paris, France. The portrait is the foundation and building block for becoming an accomplished artist. 

To paint a portrait there must be empathy throughout the process, feelings of joy that come through as one paints the spirits of those being portrayed. To feel that magic is what makes a successful portrait.

I’m overjoyed to be able to return to the portrait in a way that I feel has not been done until now, on multiple layers although verre églomisé or, reverse glass painting, is something that has been around for a very long time.

COMMISSION YOUR PORTRAIT

Commissions are welcomed and encouraged as heirlooms that create lasting memories and mark time in a way that can be enjoyed everyday in a deeply personal way. 

In first meeting, we visit and discuss your overall goals for your portrait. Then we spend time together taking many photos that will then be narrowed down to a few select images of possibility. We can also work with images that already exist in your collection of photographs.

Once an image is selected the design work begins in my studio providing several composition possibilities giving a glimpse into what the final portrait will look like. One final pass and an image for the official portrait is chosen and the work begins. 

I hope to have the great honor of painting your portrait one day soon!
Warmest Regards,
Janell