“My work as an artist is about the process of observing the world acutely, distilling natural details into their salient poetic eloquence,” says Jennifer Jones Rashleigh, owner of CÉDIAN PAINTING: STUDIO-GALLERY.
Her portfolio of water and wildlife paint- ings dazzle visitors with her detailed, dynam- ic, and tactile art. “I work with acrylic in every capacity,” Jennifer explains, “diluted wash- es, translucent gel coats, brushed, poured, thrown, knifed, dragged opacities, and thick- ly pulled impasto textures that lift off the canvas.” But stretched canvas isn’t all Jenni- fer works on – she is widely known for her hand-painted pillows, which allow the viewer to experience art in a new way: “I encourage my clients to run their eyes and hands over the artwork,” she says. “Something genera- tive occurs when we as humans look at and touch something simultaneously.”
In February, Jennifer reopened Cédian Painting: Studio-Gallery in the heart of Histor- ic Tiverton Four Corners. Working together with colleague Ashley Ainsworth, both artists share exhibition space while painting from
studios that open to the gallery. Patrons ac- cess finished work and creative process. “I prefer a working studio,” says Jennifer. “Art means more when you can deconstruct pro- cesses: sketching, underpainting, value stud- ies, layering.” Jennifer encourages, “When you see how art is assembled, it’s easier to under- stand the work.”
Shifting careers after 9/11 from Art Historian and US Fulbright Scholar, Jennifer started paint- ing and never looked back. “I’m grateful for the two decades I spent researching and teaching art history,” she explains. “It informs my themat- ic and aesthetic choices and method.”
“The response to my growing body of wa- ter and wildlife painting has been exhilarat- ing,” she confesses of her birds, fish, botan- icals, and beach scenes. Discover Jennifer’s inspiring art for yourself at Making Waves, a Pillow Painting Demo April 7 from 5:30-7pm at the gallery. Join upcoming classes Tues- day evenings 6-8pm May 2, 9, 16 & 23. Come to the Gallery Grand Opening Saturday June 17, 5-7pm, or stop by the studio, open weekly Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm.
3848 Main Rd, Tiverton, RI, 508-951-0696, cedianpainting.com
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