17 Jul Meet the Artist: Jacki Newell
Q: Explain the process you go through for your work?
I photograph the scene, usually when taking my daily walks downtown. It must have interesting dark and light shapes before I decide it should be painted. I do a thin underpainting on the canvas in raw umber, while planning out the light and dark value shapes. Then I paint the colors keeping my darks thin and lights thicker. I paint the highlights even thicker.
Q: What draws you to paint cityscapes?
I love the light and dark shapes in a city scene made by the buildings, light and shadows on the sidewalk. Greenville is especially fun to paint because of the beautiful trees and light-filled umbrellas.
Q: How long have you been painting?
When I was seventeen, I received art lessons from an artist that taught classes in her basement in my neighborhood. She taught the foundations of drawing, composition and painting in watercolor, acrylic, pastels and oils. Since then, I’ve always painted in my spare time and now full-time.
Q: What got you interested in art?
I loved horses when I was little and lived out my fantasies of owning a horse by constantly drawing them. To make it more realistic I had to learn how to draw trees, barns, landscapes, etc.
Q: How would you describe your style of art?
I consider it impressionist style.
Q: What was one of the first things you painted?
I remember painting a brown paper bag with eggs and potatoes in art class. It was a value study using only burnt umber and white.
Q: What’s your favorite piece?
My favorite piece in this show is “Threshold” because I painted it in plein air in Cleveland Park on one of the most beautiful days of the year. All of my plein air pieces are my favorites because I enjoy painting outdoors so much.
Q: Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your works?
I am very attracted to light and its effects on a subject. I love light in the atmosphere of a scene and try to capture that on canvas. I give the viewer the feeling that I felt when I was attracted to the scene.
To learn more about Jacki Newell visit her website
Join us for the Artist’s Opening Reception Thursday, July 31 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at 428 S. Main St, Greenville. Jacki’s art will be on display at the Main Street Real Estate Gallery from July 1-September 30.
