About the Artist
Contact Jack:
jacklstudio
@yahoo.com3407 Barrett Rd
Bath, Ohio 44333330-666-1141
I paint using many of the techniques of the old masters, just as in the 17th century. I use mediums and amber and oil painting varnishes based on lost Flemish polymerized recipes that have recently been rediscovered by Donald Fels (www.ambervarnish.com). These are the same close recipes used by Rubens, Van Dyke, Rembrandt and most painters of that time. These mediums allow for unsurpassed drawing in paint and speed of application. The luminosity of color and optical effects equal the quality of the old masters techniques, which I find are far superior to present day commercial products. I also grind my pigments for much of my portrait and studio work.
Education
I earned a BFA in painting from Kent State University where I was honored as “ best draftsman.” I went on to study for two years at the Art Students League of NY with Frank Mason (www.frankmason.org), Everett Raymond Kinstler and Ivan Olinsky— all noted members of the National Academy. I also studied landscape painting in Vermont and Maine with Frank Mason for nine months.
Memberships
I am a Life Member of the Art Students League, Signature Member of Akron Society of Artists, Member of Oil Painters of America and The Portrait Society of America. I have been elected as a member of the Salgamundi and National Arts clubs. I am a member, and am represented online by the Ohio Plein Air Society In addition I am a member of The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center where I have been an instructor of portrait and landscape painting for over 30 years. I also teach workshops and do demonstrations on occasion.
Awards
Recent honors include two medals won at Cincinnati Viewpoint national shows; First Place, Honorable Mention and “Quick Draw” awards at Ohio Plein Air Society (OPAS) competitions; and Best of Show at the Akron Society of Artists 75th anniversary show. I also won Best of Show at the Canton Art Museum regional Combination show, and an Honorable Mention at the Grand Exhibition National Show. I have had paintings accepted at the Butler Museum’s National and Regional shows. I was accepted in group shows: Art for the Parks, Kent state University, the Akron Art Museum and the National Arts Club.
Representation
In addition to my studio gallery (by appointment) I am represented on occasion by The Gallery of Medina and the Larry Churski Gallery. I am also now represented by The Art Gallery in Stowe, Vermont.
(click image for a "Kodak moment")My philosophy of painting is to express the beauty and spirituality of nature and man through the sense and language of sight.
The creative use of light is what I strive to use to unify the essence of the subjects I paint— to try to capture and communicate my spiritual feelings of a realistic and poetic moment in time.
I believe in painting from life and memory as I believe the camera is the death of painting.
