Artist Fred Jackson opens his latest exhibit, “West Chester Discoveries,” on January 9, 2024, at the Church Street Gallery. The exhibit runs through February 28, 2024, showcasing approximately 35 oil paintings that explore the often-overlooked alleyways and backyards of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
A New Perspective on Familiar Spaces
Unlike many artists who focus on the striking front facades of buildings, Jackson finds beauty in the hidden corners of the borough. “I find my subjects in common places: right under your nose,” he stated as he prepared his artwork for display. The artist emphasizes that the locals appreciate the fascinating stories behind the alleys, noting that these spaces are known best by delivery drivers and residents alike.
More than half of the works featured in the exhibit reflect Jackson’s personal connections to West Chester, where his father and family once lived on Franklin Street. After a long career in landscape architecture, Jackson transitioned to painting full-time and now also teaches art at the Wayne Art Center.
Much of his artistic process involves plein air painting, where he captures scenes directly from nature. However, he also utilizes photographs and sketches, particularly during the winter months when outdoor painting is more challenging.
The Creative Journey
Jackson describes his painting style as energetic and spontaneous, driven by a desire to express the essence of a place. “Painting outdoors is a blast for me. I get fired up by everything from wild nature spots to bustling city scenes,” he shared on his website. His approach is characterized by bold colors and dynamic shapes, which sometimes lean towards abstraction as he seeks to convey the vibe of each location.
Beginning his artistic journey at the young age of eight, Jackson learned to draw outdoors alongside his father, an artist himself. He picked up a paintbrush about ten years ago and dedicates two to three hours most mornings to painting when his creativity peaks. “I like to experiment,” he explained. “Art has a lot to do with paint application and making a variety of interesting marks.”
Jackson’s process is one of continuous exploration. “It’s all about creativity, a creative approach and allowing yourself to not think so much,” he said. He encourages painters to embrace experimentation, asserting that every canvas presents visual challenges that require innovative solutions.
“Paint, scrape, draw, repaint,” he elaborated on his method. “What’s left on the canvas expresses what’s important about the painting to me. I’m painting to see how much I need to see in the subject and how much I can leave out.”
When asked about knowing when a painting is complete, Jackson offered a thought-provoking perspective: “A painting is finished before it’s done. If my intention is clear, the painting may be finished, with no need for gratuitous marks.”
The opening reception for “West Chester Discoveries” will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 9 at the Church Street Gallery, located at 12 S. Church St. The gallery operates Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
