By Anne Marlowe
When searching for article ideas for this Fall issue of American Outdoor News, I was a little stuck. I recently moved to the big city (Washington D.C. area) and needed to get settled this Summer.
Getting outdoors, has involved getting to know what an amazing place I am in, visiting several of the incredible touristy spots including battlefields, The U.S. Capitol, The Library of Congress(yes I DID get a library card!) and experiencing the treasure trove of history I am surrounded with. (You can follow some of these adventures at www.AnneMarloweOutdoors.com ) It was not necessarily a huge year for hiking and the hunting I have done in the past, so it was time to think outside of the woods a little for article ideas.
I have always been a fan of outdoor and wildlife art in its many forms so, I really got excited to put together a little article with a couple artists.
When I posted a question on Facebook, asking which outdoor or wildlife artists my friends love the most, I was overwhelmed by the responses. There were SO many to choose from. I checked out each suggestion and realized, there are WAY more exceptional artists than one article could hold.
I spoke to American Outdoor News Editor, Chris Avena, and he agreed. Why not feature a whole series of artists in American Outdoor News? He decided this needed a column to call out these talents.
So!
I am proud to roll out, Outdoor Reflections. This column will feature artists in each issue of American Outdoor News and will give you a way to contact these artists to either purchase their work, view their pieces in galleries, and events or just send them notes of appreciation.
The artists I chose for this first column, have talent that blows my mind and I am sure they will become favorites of yours as well.
www.JenniferJohnsonStudio.com
Jennifer Johnson is a brilliant painter who brings unique and special composition to her pieces. Born in Portland, OR, she grew up in Colorado and learned her love of the outdoors, hiking throughout the United States with her parents.
This lovely mother of 3 boys, captures her subjects with passion, warmth, liveliness, spirit and with quite a significant dose of majesty.
I love her website showing an active auction of some of her paintings. The auctioneer is having a ball and clearly loves her artwork!
Her paintings have graced some of the best galleries in the United States and she has won several prestigious awards, including being inducted into the CM Russell Museum’s Skull Society which she details later in this interview.
Some of the paintings that drew me to her work are her National Parks pieces which include Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon. This series is reminiscent of vintage Parks posters of the past. They are absolutely beautiful.
Let’s get to know Jennifer a little better…
How did you find your art form and why did you choose it?
My medium is oil on canvas. I was fortunate to have a High School teacher, Raymond Kanub, (who eventually became a full-time gallery artist) who helped me learn how to use and appreciate oils. Oil is so forgiving and with the richness of color, I feel that I can't achieve my objective with any other medium. It also has an enormous textural and layering range that can’t be attained with any other medium.
Do you work with other art forms?
Besides painting with oils, I draw. Drawing is the key to any successful piece and is the foundation of my work. It is a necessity to figure out the groundwork of composition and value. If the drawing doesn’t work, the painting won't work either. I find drawing a challenging part of my process.
I'm also a photographer and photograph all my references for my paintings. My favorite subject is wildlife. I have spent hours traveling and hiking to get my best subjects. I enjoy photography because it is instant gratification. Paintings take weeks and sometimes months. It is nice to have a quick tool that satisfies my artist eye.
Where did you learn?
I studied art at the University of Kansas. I was "talked into" the Graphic Design field because I was told it is "Impossible to make a living as an artist." I continued to take classes at KU that really helped my art foundation, one being Life Drawing. Later in my career I studied with an artist in Umbria, Italy where I fell in love with oil painting all over again. I have mentored with artist Jay Moore and Gary Lynn Roberts. Mentorships have been the most important thing I have done as an artist. Not only do you learn more about the process and working with materials but the ins and outs of the professional art business. Those things you can only learn with experience.
What inspires you? Why?
My father was a plant pathologist for the Federal Government and as a child I traveled to most of the National Parks, camping and hiking during the summers. (See attached article in Western Art and Architecture for more info) We traveled all over the country and at an early age I felt at home when around nature and wildlife. After studying with artist Jay Moore, I began to Plein Air paint. I found myself back to my childhood roots... and couldn't get enough of it.
Is there one piece that particularly speaks to you?
My favorite piece is always the one I'm working on, but if I had to pick one particular piece, it would be my Yellowstone National Park Grand Prismatic Springs series. Yellowstone National Park has always been a huge inspiration for me. The Grand Prismatic Springs colors are breathtaking with the rainbow of colors created by the spring’s sensitive microbes. The different bacteria thrive in a variety of temperatures producing the variety of colors. The most interesting thing about the Prismatic Springs is the variety of wildlife, particularly the bison who linger at the springs all times of the year. Either in the winter to stay warm with the geothermal heat, or in the summer to keep the flies from biting. I never get sick of painting this scene.
How do you get prepared or do you have a process to begin?
I am inspired by the environment around me. Usually I get an idea while out in the field and do a combination of sketches and photographs to come up with a quick concept. Back in the studio, I perfect the sketch working with both my original sketches and incorporate the photos. Most of the time, if it is a National Park poster piece, I will use one of my wildlife photos and incorporate wildlife into the composition. I'm always trying to keep in mind.... composition, balance, value, and color harmony.
Was there anyone who has mentored you?
Raymond Knaub, Jay Moore, and Gary Lynn Roberts
Do you have a target audience?
My target audience is everyone who enjoys wildlife and the beauty of the National Parks. I'm fortunate to have collectors in all age groups.
Is painting, your full- time occupation or do you have another job also?
I feel so fortunate to be a full-time painter, but my most important job is mother of three boys, ages 14, 11, and 8.
What has been the biggest honor in your art career?
This year at the CM Russell Museum I was inducted into the Skull Society of Artists. I am one of only three women to receive this honor.
Info from CM Russell Museum website -
The C.M. Russell Museum founded the Russell Skull Society of Artists in 2013 to recognize living American Western artists whose work celebrates the themes and tradition of Charles M. Russell (1864–1926) and his contemporaries in their portrayal of the Old West.
Currently, the group comprises 23 distinguished members recognized for their artistic achievement, ongoing commitment to the mission of the C.M. Russell Museum, and history of participation in The Russell: An Exhibition and Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum, the museum’s major fundraising event.
The members of the society hail from varying backgrounds, geographical locations, and avenues by which they arrived at their Western subjects. Some are formally trained; some are self-taught. They work in a variety of styles that, on one end of the spectrum, uphold traditional realism, and on the other end, explore new aesthetic realms in the provocative reinterpretation of traditional themes.
What is one fun fact about yourself that others might not know?
I am dyslexic but I often find this learning difference has helped my art. I usually finish a painting turned upside-down on my easel. I can see the shapes and values much differently and often catch my mistakes.
If you want to see more, check out Jennifer’s website for photos and events you can attend. Keep your eyes on her, she is making quite a mark in the world!
For more information. http://www.jenniferjohnsonstudio.com
https://www.instagram.com/jenniferhaverkamp/ https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.j.haverkamp/timeline?lst=1067825685%3A1067825685%3A1566235810
https://westernartandarchitecture.com/august-september-2019/artists-spotlight-jennifer-johnson
www.MarkJamesArt.com
When I posted my question on Facebook, I heard from several of my Outdoor Industry heroes. When Ron Spomer and Larry Weishuhn both recommend the same favorite, well, you listen!
Mark James sculptures impress me by the detail, composition and heart put into them. There is a thought-provoking message to each, and Mark takes special care and time to get each piece exactly right. His feelings and emotion speak through these bronzes and have stirred some to tears.
With little formal training, he credits Internationally renowned sculptor Kent Ullberg, for graciously giving him pointers and critiquing the steps he takes to make each sculpture.
One of his greatest experiences as an artist was when the Madden Museum of Art in Denver, CO invited both Mark and Kent Ullberg to be featured at their grand opening several years ago. “I was quite moved, when I stood alongside one of the most celebrated wildlife sculptors in the world and my mentor, showing my work also.â€
When he was asked to sculpt the lovely and coveted Extreme Huntress trophy, by Tom and Olivia Opre, he was happy to do it. It was the first time he had sculpted a female, but he did an incredible, flowing and beautiful piece to honor women hunters.
Extreme Huntress is a tough yearly contest with a mission to promote hunting and conservation through these role models. Not only do they inspire other ladies, but they are also positive leaders for young aspiring conservationists.
Mark partnered with Larry Weishuhn and they created Mr. Whitetail. Of course, this is also Larry’s nickname. What a lovely tribute to this man and his love of hunting these creatures. Mark James told me “I had been a huge fan of Larry for many years and he is the reason I began hunting with a handgun.†He went on to say, “Larry saw my work at a show and asked to meet me. We have remained friends ever since and working together with him was an incredible experience. He is a gracious and true friend.â€
Mark has a strong love of the American Indian and has created several moving pieces in tribute. Distant Hope is one of the best. The massive bronze grabs your attention before you even understand the meaning behind it. Once you understand it, it captures you and makes you think.
One piece that stirs me and is one of my favorite Mark James works, is titled, Hands That Once Held Six Guns.
“He holds the innocence of this newborn, who holds the symbol of the life he has led. At the moment his grandson grasps his ‘trigger finger,’ his own jaded existence rushes to the forefront of his mind. Considering now, the future of this boy - the different paths he may choose - he is suddenly sobered, realizing the influence and power he has…on untainted innocence.â€
The fact that he has created works for some of the wealthiest people in the world, doesn’t seem to be what motivates this humble and grateful man. Having people truly appreciate the meaning of his pieces and the relationships he forges in the process, clearly, is what makes him happy.
If you would like to see more from Mark James, please look him up at www.MarkJamesArt.com
www.freshfishgallery.com
What I love about Jake’s work is how he takes old surfboard and of all things, fish taxidermy and reworks each one to make the item new again. I was surfing (yeah… I know…couldn’t resist that pun) the internet when I happened on this artist. The bright way he breathes life into these pieces is quite extraordinary.
Having been part of the taxidermy world for 30 years, I understand this art form and I love how he saves mounts that could be rotting out in the garage and turns them into something special. I would consider any of his art pieces for my home. They just make me happy!
Meet Jake Jones!
How did you find your art form and why did you choose sculpture? Do you work with other art forms?
My whole "theme" is bringing "found" items back to life, whether it be an old taxidermy mount or a broken surfboard. Most of my canvases are found on Craigslist and Facebook. I'm always on the hunt for a unique canvas! I grew up drawing comic books at the kitchen table, airbrushing t-shirts and doing graphic design. 3 years ago, I painted a cartoon bear sign for a friend by hand and I realized that it was the funnest piece of art I had created in many years. I try and stay off the computer now as much as I can and have returned to my roots, creating artwork by hand.
I don't have any formal training, but art is definitely in my genes. My grandmother and father are both established artists and my Mom and sister are both very creative as well
My art is inspired by my love of the Sea and all of the beautiful creatures that inhabit it
The piece I am most proud of is my surfboard carving titled "Tree of Life." When I put the final brushstroke of paint on it, I stood back and said out loud "This is the best thing I've ever done." I'm very proud of the detail, the flow and the feeling. It just makes me happy to look at it
Working on surfboards and taxidermy fish is a lot like working on a crashed car. Fiberglass repair, automotive paint prep, masking, clear coat...messy work but I love it!
Who mentored you if anyone?
I don't have a mentor per se, but I have had tons of inspiration over the years. Before the internet I used to just pore over the artwork in books, comics and magazines. Now I try daily to watch other artists on YouTube for both inspiration and education. Now more than ever there is so much to SEE!
Really my target audience is anyone that loves sea life and the beach. I've been so blessed to have gotten such a warm response to my art from people. I'm just a guy that makes stuff in his garage hoping someone will buy it. Showing my work in Wyland Gallery has brought my work in front of many more eyes and I'm very proud to be there.
Is sculpting your full- time occupation or do you have another job also? By day I work for a Hospital system as their social media marketing person, filming video and creating content for their brand.
What has been the biggest honor in your art career? Up until recently I had never had my work in a gallery. I really held out to be in Wyland Gallery (snob! haha) and the day I delivered my surfboards to them and they were hung on the wall beside Wyland's work was a very proud day for me. I stepped back and said, "I'm a REAL artist!" It was quite a moment of accomplishment and a huge honor.
What is one fun fact about yourself that others might not know? Hmmm...well in the 80s when breakdancing was at its peak, I might have been seen spinning on my head a few times.
Footnote: If you are an outdoor artist or have one in mind that you would like to see featured in this column, Please email me at AnneMarloweOutdoors@gmail.com or contact the editor of American Outdoor News.