jdgallery@yahoo.com
JDGALLERY
Welcome To My Studio
Please enjoy your visit !
The Artist ……. Who am I?
Jack L Dennis, born 1946, Washington D.C. Graduate Ballou HS, 1965. Attended Corcoran School Of Art ( grant ) 1965-1969. Married to Cheerie (Thornhill ) Dennis; two children, Tracy and Katie; one grandchild. Currently residing in Waldorf, Maryland. Achievements include placement in Corcoran Student Exhibit 1966; various sale of works both as a student and most recently numerous local exhibits both private and public. Currently, member of Mattawoman Creek Art Center, Charles County Arts Alliance, Western Maryland Arts Association and Allegheny Arts Council . While studying at Corcoran, a member of the research group working to restore the extinct recipe of the ‘Meroger’ medium, used by the Old Master painters. Due in part to our research, this once rare oil painting medium can now be found worldwide at most art supply outlets .
As long as I can remember I have felt the need to create. As a child I was fascinated with the Disney characters and constructed my own animation tablets. As a teen, I began to study art history and was fascinated with such artists as Michelangelo, DaVinci and the Old Masters. At the Corcoran School of Art I studied under the direction of American painter, Edmund Archer, a noted artist from Richmond, Virginia. Our subjects included live models, various still life subjects and portrait studies. This is where I was introduced to the use of pastel as an optional form of medium. Gradually I began using pastel as my primary medium. Recently however, due to the health concerns associated with the use of pastel ( dust ), I have began yet another new chapter in my art life and am beginning to learn the use of acrylics. Once again I am looking forward to this newest challenge !
In art school much emphasis was placed on accuracy in drawing, as it should be and much of my early work appeared photographic in nature. As a youngster, I felt it t was important to include every detail of the subject. As my art matured I found myself moving more impressionistic in style. If you study some of my Amish paintings you may note the absence of extreme detail as the focus is more on the mood or the message of the subject. Of course the exception is my classic car and aviation subjects which do demand great detail.
As a child growing up in the "projects” of Washington, DC, I have great memories of adventure, creative play and exploration and of course, the music! Many of my works reflect those memories; whether it be in the form of the landmarks, the classic cars we all remember or the childhood play we still see today in the surrounding Amish community
ARTIST STATEMENT
We live a hurried life. We are pushed and we are pressured. We have fast food, instant breakfast and "convenience" stores. We watch one tv show while recording another. We never have enough hours in a day. "Baby-boomers" such as myself, remember those carefree days of the 50's and 60's and wish our own children and grandchildren could experience such an era. I suppose that's where my art attempts to go...to a place of simpler times!
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The Corcoran Gallery and School Of Art
Washington, D. C
Who doesn’t love a “classic” ?
Oil on canvas - SOLD Oil on canvas -NFS Oil on canvas - SOLD
The Amish Way
In our region of Southern Maryland the Amish community thrives. Only through the friendship and trust of a few of these families have I been able to portray glimpses of these fascinating people through my art and ( limited ) photography,.
“The Couple”
“Breaking Ground”
“Heading Home”
“The Apprentice”
“The Patient Sister”
Early one morning, I spotted him crossing busy Rt 6 in Mechanicsville. I was able to capture a quick, foggy photo with my old 35mm camera. Notice the handmade wooden lunch pale.
“Amish schoolboy”
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“Amish Boy On Horse”
“Break’n Free”
“Summer Freedom”
Summer In Charlotte Hall. These two are obviously heading to Trinity Lake. This is one of my favorite works, not only for the relaxing mood, but for the manner in which I was able to texture the pastel surface with the additional use of water color.
“Goin’ Fishn’”
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BRUSHSTROKES
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Most of the works you are viewing throughout this site are available for sale as prints, either by digital download ( 8.00 ) or mounted, wrapped and matted and ready for your frame. ( 28.00 ) postage included. Contact me at jdgallery @yahoo.com for details
What Are Pastels?
Those unaware often refer to pastels as chalk. Nothing could be further from the truth. True pastels are ground from natural earth elements and binder and will retain brilliance and sharpness for many years. Artists of the past would make their own pastel from available earth sources knowing their work would last for years. Many of the works viewed on this site, including my entire Amish collection are works of pastel.
Below are examples of pastel works done many years ago as art school assignments ( 1966 ) Today, many years later, they retain their same brilliance despite being displayed in various settings of light and humidity.
More recent works of pastel
A sad time. Recently the Corcoran School of Art and Gallery was forced to close due to financial difficulties. Founded in 1869, some of the world's most prominent artists from around the world have taught and influenced there. I am so grateful to have been a part of that journey. I could write a book about my experiences at Corcoran, including the amazing friendships from like minded students from across the globe; students like Lisa Morra from Italy, Bjorn Johanna from the Netherlands and an incredible sculptor from France by the name of Ancil Belot ( who shared my exact same birth date ) These students and many others from around the world elected to come to the U.S. to study at the Corcoran. Of course I owe enormous gratitude to my Fine Arts professor, Edmund Archer, a noted American painter from Richmond, Va. who taught me not only how to paint but discipline, perseverance and the ability to utilize my imagination and creativity. RIP Mr. Archer. RIP Corcoran!
