I gotta say I have become a bit obsessed with the incredible work of my latest Artist Spotlight Series feature.  

She was recently introduced to me by the curator of Atlanta Artist Collectives, Muriel Schelke. I am crazy for her color palette and loose brushwork. 

Enjoy getting to know the talented

Rebecca Jack

Atlanta, Georgia

What is your training? 

I studied Interior design at the University of Tennessee and worked the past 15 years in the Hospitality industry.  I’ve been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember!  My mother, also an artist, encouraged creativity from an early age.  While pursuing my design career, I continued to take life drawing classes and painting workshops in my spare time.  There were many years that I painted off and on.  It wasn’t until a two years ago that I finally created a consistent studio practice which has allowed me to focus on painting full time.  I can’t imagine stopping ever again!

     

What inspires you and your designs?

Color is really the first starting point for me.  I LOVE discovering different color combinations and making the colors come together so they harmonize, bringing life to the painting.  I find a lot of inspiration from looking at interior design images-color, patterns, forms are all elements that excite me in my process.  Lately, I’ve been diving into Egyptian, Roman and Greek art history books.  Sculpture is another art form that I draw inspiration from. Exploring color relationships and the figure help me connect with different emotions and feelings that I hope to translate onto the canvas and connect with the viewer.

 What is your favorite piece? 

Oooh, this is a tough one!  There are so many things I love about so many pieces.  “Soleil”, is a recent piece I completed in December of 2021.  She started out as an abstract that wasn’t working so I started to incorporate the figure on top of it.  This gave me so many beautiful layers that I find interesting. I love her vibrancy and the graceful, loving presence she exudes.  She represents my higher self.  My process is very intuitive and it is exciting for me to see the work unfold in this way.  

“Persephone” is another favorite.  I’m obsessed with these color combinations.

 

How has the your area influenced your work?

I live in the heart of Buckhead here in Atlanta.  It is a bustling area with lots of new building going on, road work and of course traffic!  New architecture, construction sites can inform shapes and lines.   When I’m out walking my dog Elvis I take notes of all the colors and shapes I’m seeing in unexpected places whether it is plants, birds, signage, the back of a delivery truck or a dumpster.  One of the things I love about Atlanta is there are lots of  hikes and nature trails within the city that are just a 20 minute car ride away.  I always feel good when getting out in nature and that also brings a fresh perspective in the studio.  

What is your favorite restaurant in Atlanta?

I don’t go out to eat a lot but I do love The Optimist in West midtown.  

I’m dying to try The Garden Room if I can think far enough ahead to get a reservation!  

What is your favorite cocktail?

My typical order is usually a glass of wine, however, when it’s patio season I will detour to Margarita on the rocks 🙂

How do you balance personal life and work?

Honestly, I am really out of balance at the moment.  I have thrown myself into my painting practice over the past year working every chance I got. I’m starting to realize it is time to slow down so I don’t get burned out.  Prioritizing exercise, health, sleep and downtime are just as important in the creative process.  Transitioning to art full time has had its own growing pains and finding balance is one of them. Especially when I love what I’m doing so much.  I’m embracing the notion “It’s a marathon not a sprint”.

Dream trip?

I would love to go to Egypt hands down.

Dream commission?

I would love to have a painting hanging in a Christian Siriano or a Kelly Wearstler project 🙂

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

I love bringing a favorite bottle of wine which is pretty much anything from Willamette valley!

Who is your style icon?

I typically run around in jeans and a tee or my workout gear (hopefully that workout gets done, ha!) but I have to defer to Kelly Wearstler as my style icon for pretty much everything.  Let’s face it-where is she not fabulous?!

Your favorite up and coming artist?

There are so many artists today making great work!  One artist I love is Bryan Young.  He does these beautiful collage paintings. His compositions and color remind me a lot of Diebenkorn, one of my favorite artists. Here is an example of his work from his Lake series.  

 What is your most treasured possession?

Although he’s not necessarily a possession, my first thought is my dog Elvis.  He makes me laugh every day, is just so cuddly and overall a big hunk of love!  

My other favorite is a photograph I received as a graduation gift from my mom by the artist Christine Patterson.  She took this photo in southern France and I just love the feeling of timelessness and sense of memory it evokes.  She also if from Knoxville, Tennessee and it is my first piece from another artist.

What are you reading?

Currently, I’m reading up on Greek Mythology as research for painting material.  I’ve always had my nose in a book but I just don’t have a lot of time to read anymore.  I usually paint at night after my son goes to bed until my head hits the pillow exhausted and happy.

What are you listening to?

I’m in the car driving a lot and during that time I like listening to a few podcasts such as “Expanded by To be Magnetic”, “Ancient Wisdom by Shaman Durek” and “The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes”.  They range from manifestation, self-improvement and spiritual topics.  In the studio, often I listen to classical music because it gets me out of my head and into the zone easily.  However, when I’m in the mood for something else I love listening to Emmit Fenn, Heather Nova, or The National.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I love to look at Domino, Eyeswoon and Sarah Sherman Samuel.  

 

Be sure to check out Rebecca’s work on her website and instagram as well as through Atlanta Artist Collective. 

Here are a few current and past favorites: 

Daily Desires:

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