Art Found Me Beneath The Trees
My hands felt the worn, rough edges of her skin and smelled the sweet breath from her limbs. I wondered how long she stood there. Just how many winters she shivered. Did she suffer much under the scorching sun?
The sound of her leaves dancing in the wind made me smile. I could not be her, nor she me; that we both knew. So, I painted her, first with my eyes and then with my hand and framed her with my heart.
It was with the trees that I first knew of my life long journey. Each different and unique, ever changing with their twists and turns; colors, fullness, nakedness and beauty.
Art found me beneath the trees.
Artist Statement and Bio
"Being an artist has never been an option for me. Creating has always been essential to my existence."
Established in 1959, Jacquelyn Willis Wilkinson has had the opportunity to fulfill many destinies: Co-founder of a private elementary school, The Willow School, in Santa Fe, art teacher, educator, Shakespearean Prop Master, Faux Finish Artist, Interior Designer, Muralist, Contemporary Mixed Media Artist, Art Consultant and the 2007 World Posole Cooking Champion. For years, Jaki challenged herself artistically by exploring various technical styles of creative expression in painting.
After retiring from teaching, in 2006, Jaki made a conscious decision to pursue her life long passion of becoming a professional career artist. Her medium of choice is oils. Through the skilled use of oils, Jaki is able to engage each painting with an intimate passion capturing the invisible soul qualities and essence of her subject.
Jaki's work is the combination of a modern style and sensibility mixed with the influence of Old World European Master's Techniques. Her paintings are a dynamic interplay between the gentle, the soft and the powerful.
She studied extensively with master painter, Lyndall Bass, who's honors include the design for the 2010 Lincoln Penny (US Mint); The Andreeva Portrait Academy with world renowned artist, Yugi Wang and most recently with award winning artist, Craig Srebnik. She studied art at Holmes Jr. College and the University of Louisiana.
NOTABLE COLLECTIONS
"Donaciano Vigil" 1st Hispanic Territorial Governor of New Mexico
Permanent Collection of New Mexico's State Capital, Hall of Governors
"Johnny Crockett" 1970 Champion
Field Trial Hall of Fame Museum, Grand Junction, Tennessee
"Penny" 2007 Companion Dog of the Year
Penny's From Heaven Foundation, San Antonio, Texas
"La Conquistadora"
Private Collection of Arch Bishop Michael Sheehan, New Mexcio
Her work has been collected throughout the US, Canada, Europe and China
*Member: Portrait Society of America and Oil Painters of America
Member: Woodlands Art League
Exhibitions and Galleries
Waxlander Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico , Solo Show, 2009
Susan G. Koman Art Show, Houston, 2011
Regional 2nd Place, Professional Division, The Woodlands, 2012
Planet Bronze, Miniture Show, 2011
Waxlander Spring Show and Auction, 2010, 2011
Waxlander Gallery, Holiday Group Show, 2009
La Fonda Hotel
Espanola Animal Shelter Art Exhibit, 2011
Woof Pet Bakery and Boutique, Old Town Spring, Texas
Apache Wells Trading Post, Spring, Texas
Emilia Pooche, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Teca Tu, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Art Expo Group Show, 2009
Heart Foundation, Gerald Peters Gallery, Group Show, 2009
1st and 2nd Historic Paint Out, Giacobbee Fritz Gallery, 2008-09
Espanola Animal Shelter, Group Show, 2008
Barkin Ball, Santa Fe Convention Center, 2006-10
Sangre De Cristo Racquet Club, Solo Show, 2008
Brandon Michael Fine Art, Indian Market Solo Show, 2008
Christine of Santa Fe, 2007-08
Christine of Santa Fe, Annual Group Holiday Show, 2007
Gallerie Zuger, Group Show for Assistance Dogs of the West, 2007
Tybie Davis Satin Gallery, Solo Show 2007
Palace of Governors, "Donaciano Vigil" unveiling, 2006
Chado Contemporary Gallery, 2006
Publications: New Mexico Blue Book 2007-2008
Albuquerque Journal, 2007