Artist Fred Jackson is set to unveil his latest exhibition, “West Chester Discoveries,” at Church Street Gallery on January 9, 2024. The exhibit will showcase around 35 of Jackson’s oil paintings, focusing on the often-overlooked alleyways and backyards of West Chester.
Rather than highlighting the borough’s iconic front facades, Jackson draws inspiration from the hidden spaces that delivery drivers frequent and where locals park their vehicles. “I find my subjects in common places: right under your nose,” Jackson said as he prepared the gallery for the opening. His work reflects a deep appreciation for the unique character of West Chester, where he spent significant time growing up.
Artistic Journey and Creative Process
Jackson’s connection to West Chester is personal; more than half of the paintings in this exhibition depict scenes from the town where his family has roots on Franklin Street. After dedicating 35 years to landscape architecture, he transitioned to full-time painting and teaching at Wayne Art Center.
His artistic approach often involves plein air painting, where he captures the essence of a location directly from life. “Painting outdoors is a blast for me. I get fired up by everything from wild nature spots to bustling city scenes,” he shares on his website. Jackson emphasizes the thrill of working spontaneously with bold colors and dynamic shapes, allowing for various interpretations of the same subject.
He began his outdoor drawing journey at the age of eight with his father, an artist, and picked up a paintbrush seriously about a decade ago. For Jackson, mornings are the ideal time for painting, as he finds his creativity peaks during this period. He typically dedicates two to three hours to his craft each day.
Exploration and Expression in Art
Jackson describes his painting methodology as an experimental process. “I have a reasonable knowledge of my paints, tools and brushes. With them, the painting process becomes a creative and improvisational exploration,” he explains. He believes that art should be a spontaneous act rather than a heavily intellectualized task, stating, “You’re going to visually create problems in every painting because you’re experimenting.”
His technique involves layers of paint application, scraping, drawing, and rebuilding the subject matter. “What’s left on the canvas expresses what’s important about the painting to me,” he notes. Jackson seeks to find the balance between detail and abstraction, exploring how much of the subject can be omitted while still conveying its essence.
When asked about knowing when a painting is complete, Jackson remarks, “A painting is finished before it’s done. If my intention is clear, the painting may be finished, no need for gratuitous marks.”
The opening reception for “West Chester Discoveries” will take place on January 9, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display until February 28, 2024. Church Street Gallery is located at 12 S. Church St., and the gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
