SAAC Sponsors the Paintings of Jena Rockwood at Marin Coffee Roasters

Paintings of Jena Rockwood at Marin Coffee Roasters Sponsored
by SAAC

San Anselmo, CA. 
October 27, 2013- A predominantly self taught artist, Jena Rockwood
began creating art out of sheer boredom while in between jobs. Influenced by
her mother’s love of drawing and her father’s fantastic eye for color, Rockwood
picked up painting quite naturally, and when a job opportunity surfaced at a
local art store, she continued to delve into her new artistic experimentation. Jena
comments. “I learned so much about materials I did not even know exist!”
Rockwood combined her passion for painting with her fascination and love for
music, thus her expressive rock inspired portraiture style was born.  

Rockwood
paints strictly with oils, which she believes to be forgiving and easy to
blend. Jena muses. “Watercolors scare me and acrylics dry too fast!” From an
image, she sketches a basic form, and begins filling in color using a more
limited palette than what she will use for the final layers. After the initial
layer of paint, Rockwood continues defining details and adjusting color,
working to capture the emotion, and personality of the musician she is
painting. Backgrounds tend to be decided once she has gotten “in touch” with
the painting and tend to reference the essence of a song the portrait subject
wrote. Jena’s artistic approach may not have changed much since it’s
beginnings, but as she develops as an artist steps in the process have become
easier and allowed her the freedom to test the waters and try new things. One
thing that is steadfast however, is the importance of music to her artistic
process. Rockwood comments. “I never paint without music. What’s great is that
I’m usually painting an artist I love so throughout the painting I will listen
to their stuff. It allows me to connect more on their level.”

Jena Rockwood
is fond of the paintings of William-Aldolphe Bouguereau, who’s painting process
is similar in that he defines color in the early stages of a painting as
Rockwood does. However, master painters aside, most of what she learns comes
from friends and life. Sharing a studio for the last 4 years with her best
friend and fellow artist Anne Herrero has been an incredible inspiration. Jena
adds. “She has more knowledge about oil painting than anyone I know.”  To see more of Jena Rockwood’s vivid
rock inspired portraits and detailed miniatures go to http://www.jenarockwood.com .

Marin Coffee
Roasters is located at 546 San Anselmo Ave- San Anselmo, CA. 94960

The show runs through December 17

About San Anselmo
Arts Commission

The goal of the Commission is to add to the cultural
character of Ross Valley through any form of artistic expression. Our objectives
include providing a structure to facilitate the creation of art in all
disciplines in the community, promoting and exhibiting art and cultural works
produced by Ross Valley artists, and promoting art education in the community.

For more information go to www.sananselmoarts.com