Bobbe Jones
Cortez, Colorado
I am a Colorado-based artist with an abiding love of rural life -- its wildlife, ranches and vehicles. My mission is to share this passion through my artwork.
Message
BACKGROUND ~ I am a Colorado-based artist with a life-time of art experience; including formal art classes, independent study, experience in different media (pottery, knitting design, fabric art, illustrating, writing a children's book, magazine editor). I became a full-time artist in 2021 which was my 'dream come true'.
INSPIRATION ~ My oil paintings reflect rural farming and ranching in beautiful southwest Colorado. I have lived on a farm for 40 years and enjoy the self-sufficiency and independence this lifestyle brings. My desire is to capture on canvas the area's natural beauty, its historic buildings, abandoned vehicles, wildlife and people that make this a special place to live.
TECHNIQUES ~ I mainly work in oil and love the luminosity, richness and depth of color. Linen and wood panels are my canvases of choice. My current goal is to develop a simpler and more expressive style. Up until recently, I have painted in a realistic style; however, I want to get away from carbon copies and express more of the feeling I experience when painting my favorite subjects.
Statement
My artwork is my journey. One that I love. Oil is my favorite medium with a preference for strong brushworks and a vibrant color palette, governed by my mood and the intended atmosphere of each painting.
My paintings reflect rural living in SW Colorado and include local birds, abandoned trucks, farm buildings, regional landmarks and glimpses into ranch life. Each subject has a story and reflects my personality. I use photo references and firsthand observations to create thumbnail sketches for reviewing proportions, light and shadow, and then arrange a composition. At this stage, I decide on the main color scheme, although I leave the plan open for change as the painting progresses. I may start with a drawing or simply the background depending on the subject matter. Either way, I begin loosely and later tighten up with details.
Ultimately, I look for emotion and leave room for adventure and change. Each painting is an unpredictable journey although there is a plan behind it.
Brushstrokes are important and charge the painting with energy while building a bridge between the painter and the viewer. Brushwork gives a glimpse of the painter’s soul and character through its passion and vulnerability. By leaving a distinctive mark, I open up to the viewer, and invite them to participate in my artistic process. I believe in the energy, passion and connection an artist puts into the canvas.