Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Bloodgood-Abrams.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up on 8 acres in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. As a child I spent a lot of time outdoors and have distinct memory of noticing how the sunset glowed through the blades of grass as I lay on the lawn. It was a spiritual connection to nature that I would only understand much later.
Through getting my Masters of Fine Art and beyond, I was mainly working on large canvasses of expressionistic figures. Sometime later I began to awaken to the natural beauty of the area I continued live in, and spent time exploring the mountains and walking along the river. I also discovered the Hudson River School and Tonalist painters of the 19th Century and saw that they were capturing the same ethereal light I witnessed, as well as expressing the same spiritual connection I felt when in Nature. My work then changed in order to emulate the feelings I experienced, as I sought to recapture the essence of nature in its most transitory and transcendent moments.
After 25 years, my work has evolved to become part memory of a scene, part mood of my own psyche. Expansive space such as the seeing clouds over the ocean and marshes of the East Coast, is where I feel a personal expansion in relation to the world and its beauty. The horizon has dipped lower in most of my works, allowing for an expansion of air, with ethereal clouds becoming a focal point.
Please tell us about your art.
My work involves my spending time out in nature, particularly in the light at the end of the day. Light can be so transitory at that time, so I prefer to observe and meditate on the experience in front of me rather than paint from it directly. I let the experience of a sunset for example, soak in. After some time and tempered or distilled by my own psyche, I will then use that memory to work in the studio. My aim is to use the landscape imagery as a tool to re-create the mood and emotion felt at the time. Though I may reference a specific place or view, the details of that location are not so important as evoking the particular light and mood.
I work in layers of paint, using a technique of scumbling opaque paint with layers of sheer glazes, softening to add the luminosity, gentle tones and atmospheric mood to the works.
In creating these paintings, I’m able to enjoy being in that moment in nature again, and hope that the works remind viewers of their own personal connection to Nature’s evocative beauty. I also hope the works serve to remind us all of the need to preserve and protect the land and sea.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Especially for beginner artists I believe membership in area Art Associations are an excellent way to connect with other artists as well as participate in group exhibitions, plein air events etc. Another good thing to do is attend your city or town’s gallery reception evenings, to meet with and connect with artists as well as gallery owners.
Personally, for myself and most artists I know, we relish our time working alone and the need for that solitude is often part of why we choose to become artists. However, it is good to come out of our studios and connect with other artists, discuss materials and opportunities etc., and enjoy the camaraderie. Artist Residencies are another great way to spend time in community with other artists while working on one’s own project.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Jessica Hagen Fine Art in Newport, RI has been representing my work for some time to collectors in the Newport and Boston areas. She is currently featuring my work in an exhibit through May 26th.
Jessica Hagen Fine Art
9A Bridge St.
Newport, Rhode Island
02840
jessicahagen.com
(401) 835-7682
jessica@jessicahagen.com
People can also visit my website to view works and inquire about upcoming exhibits and events. janebloodgoodabrams.com
Contact Info:
- Website: janebloodgoodabrams.com
- Email: jbapaintings@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jbapaintings
- Facebook: facebook.com/jbapaintings
Image Credit:
Photo of JBA Painting – Tom Hackett Photography
Gallery photo – Jessica Hagen Fine Art
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