Indian Head is a large rock formation seen high on the hillside, to the west of Utah Trail, outside 29 Palms gate into Joshua Tree National Park. The rock has the appearance of a Native American head profile. I've heard it's a difficult hike up there...fortunately, I can see it from my backyard!
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In October I had the incredible opportunity to stay and paint in the hills above Lucca at Casa Berti for a few weeks. In this painting I was trying to capture the feeling I experienced of living in rhythm with the land. The terraced olive trees around the villas and the vineyards set the calendar, even dominating conversations between friends and neighbors. Olives are ready to harvest when they are ready. The olive tree will not bend to man's pace or his schedule.
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In January we enjoyed being able to spend a few days up at The Sea Ranch with close friends, celebrating the fresh start of a new year. We took a lot of walks along the bluff. One of my favorite times was the morning where we could watch as the sun burned through the fog, lighting up the colorful Northern California coastline.
It's always fun to block in a painting on location, when the inspiration is all around you, and all of your senses are engaged.
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I began this painting in the quiet courtyard with the San Juan Capistrano Mission Bells. When I am plein air painting the first order of business is finding a little shade. This courtyard had everything I was looking for: historic presence, beautiful light, strong shadows, the peaceful sound of the fountain, and a shady vantage point!
After I posted a photo of this completed painting, I heard from several people that this was a special quiet place of contemplation for them.
Here's a little history about the bells. Mission San Juan Capistrano’s oldest tradition is the ringing of the historic bells. Since the late 1800's this tradition has been performed by a chosen few official bell ringers. Originally the bells rang from the bell tower of the Grand Church, which today stands in ruins. These bells would ring to call people to Mass and to mark the morning, noon, and evening Angelus. Today the bells are rung on designated feast days, holidays and community celebrations.
Four bells were originally cast for Mission San Juan Capistrano. All named after saints, the two largest are named after San Vincente & San Juan, the two smaller bells are named after San Antonio & San Rafael. After the earthquake of 1812 did significant damage to the Mission collapsing the bell tower, the bells were moved to the arches of the campanario, the ''bell wall'' that houses four salvaged cast bronze bells. Now the original two largest bells hang in the footprint of the bell tower of the ruins of the Great Stone Church where they originally hung.
The Bell Wall in my painting "Sacred Courtyard Bells, Mission San Juan Capistrano" 8x10 Oil ©Jennifer Mathews now has two replica large bells and the original two small bells. Stop by Mission San Juan Capistrano and enjoy a piece of California history!
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Way back in 2007 my friend and I took photos of a young couple on an overcast day at the Newport Harbor Entrance. I have been thinking of doing a painting of them ever since. Almost a year ago I finished the painting, but something about it kept bothering me, it was close, but not quite there.
I asked other artists for input, but I wasn't feeling connected to the painting anymore. A month ago I was looking at the painting and realized it could be my son and his lovely girlfriend. I was inspired again and I knew what to do! I turned his head, darkened the figures, gave the dog a tail, added color to the rocks and it all came together.
It isn't necessarily a good idea to wait to start painting until you feel some great inspiration. That is a quick road to procrastination for me. An artist needs the discipline to get into the studio and get down to work. On anything. But this just goes to show you that sometimes the best thing to do is to set a painting aside and trust that the answer will come if you keep painting!
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“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13
Many celebrate Memorial Day weekend as a marker of the beginning of summer. The 4th of July gets everyone out in their red, white & blue.
I like barbecues and 3-day weekends as much as the next guy, but I’d like to take a moment to remember those who have died while courageously serving our country.
A time to remember more than 1 million people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending the United States of America.
I wanted to honor all soldiers with a painting. Last week, I was painting at Mission Fine Art Gallery when a man came to look around. When he saw my painting, he stopped, and with thoughtful curiosity, asked what I was trying to say.
I thought that was a very interesting question... I knew I was drawn to the image, but I hadn’t actually articulated my feelings about why.
As we stood there in front of my painting in progress, I began to think out loud.
The combination of the injured soldier, the little boy pushing the wheelchair, and the school bus told a story. To me, it seemed to represent getting back to everyday life. It’s about what happens after the homecoming.
The enthusiasm of the boy represented hope, connection, and family. The erect posture of the soldier showed strength and proud determination. The school bus made me think of working towards a bright future.
I'm curious to know what you think this painting is trying to say.
PS A friend of mine started a nonprofit corporation called Carepossible a few years ago. Their mission is to provide mental health care and addiction treatment for low income and military families. Click here if you want to learn how you can support healing for soldiers exposed to stress and trauma.
Jennifer Mathews Fine Art
Oil Paintings of Life in Landscape
(949) 689-0625
http://www.JMathewsFineArt.com
Several of my artist friends spent the day painting in the Central Courtyard of Mission San Juan Capistrano. A beautiful place to spend a spring day painting.
I was lucky to be at Mission Fine Art Gallery when a very nice couple from Texas came in. They said they had just taken a selfie in that very same spot at the Mission. They bought this painting and said they were going to hang it along with their photo. It's always fun for me to meet the people that take home one of my paintings. I hope they send me a photo when it's hung!
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“Art goes as far and as deep as one’s love goes.” –Andrew Wyeth
February, is the month of love. Whether or not you think of it as being merely a Hallmark holiday, many of us connect Valentines Day with February. The fact that my husband, two of my three sons, my mother-in-law, brother-in-law and a few close friends all have birthdays this month, means that many people that I cherish are celebrated this month too.
I bet we all agree that we could use more love in the world right now. We need things in our lives that warm our hearts and connect us.
I am grateful to be able to do what I love. Painting gives me a way to express myself and connect with other people. I hope that my work reminds them of the people and places that are important to them.
Here’s something you might not know know. Most artists struggle with doubt, even after years of successes, we wonder if we can do it again.
While I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, sometimes I worry about whether my work is good enough. The fact is, losing my way and finding it again is part of the artistic process.
Which reminds me of something I read.
“You need to see money for what it is: a note of thanks rewarded for helping someone improve their life.”
–Christopher Browning
When someone buys one of my paintings it feels like getting a valentine. It’s someone saying they love something that is a part of me.
So what are the top 3 things that keep me in the studio, despite the doubt, you might ask?
3. Selling paintings is part of it, but not all of it.
2. I paint for myself first, with the hope that it will speak to you
…and Number One:
1. Heartfelt positive feedback. It helps me focus on what is working.
I have kept every card, email and text that you have sent over the last 16 years. For each one, I thank you. These thank you notes and stories about how my work has spoken to you remind me of my vision, my passion and my purpose. They replace doubt with love.
I hope you look for ways to celebrate what’s working!
Jennifer
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