Jewel Conway
Transforming Energy
into Color!
"My intent is to portray the energy and the impact of a subject through vibrant, dynamic color schemes, not necessarily to reproduce a solely realistic image. I visualize what I want the artwork to 'feel like' from the energy I interpret and then infuse that through color to create a 'WOW!' factor. The paintings are complete when I 'see' the energy I was trying to capture pop off the canvas in vivid color!
Jewel Conway's painting style is described as expressionistic, contemporary, and bold and is immersed within the style of Fauvism - the unexpected use of vivid color. Striking, contrasting colors dominate her artwork. It is meant to completely capture your attention, create a smile, and think 'WOW!". The power of unexpected color makes her paintings truly distinctive.
Artist Statement
NATURE:
The elements of nature are reflected throughout my artwork. The effects of movement and energy are conveyed through color. Nature is captivating and a source of inspiration for me. It is in constant flux, and its energy can be subtle and shimmering as well as vibrant, complex, and explosive. From the most fragile creations to the spectacular celestial bodies in the universe, all are powerful in their own ways.
I visualize the energy of a subject in color that can represent the wildness and unpredictability of ocean waves with sparkling prisms of light; the ever-changing creation and uniqueness of our landscapes, or the expressiveness, personality, and symbolism in the spectrum of animals, reptiles, sea creatures and birds. All give off their own unique energy. Almost all of my nature artwork is in oil, as it gives a luster to the subject.
ABSTRACT:
The abstracts reflect emotional and celestial energy. Sources for me include creativity, passion, music, celebration, and rejuvenation, as well as the luminosity, explosiveness, and mystery of the universe. The energy radiates out through color. The process can be simple or incredibly complex.
Movement is created through color with multiple layers. There are at least three layers of paint to each abstract. From palette knife swaths of acrylic and metallic paints to teeny splatters, each layer is there for a purpose. I will include pouring medium and gold, silver, and copper leaf to get the right effect. Most paintings are coated with gloss varnish with sprinkles of glitter thrown in to make the piece shimmer when light hits it.
Conway is an international award-winning artist, garnering more than 80 awards in national and international exhibitions. Her artwork has been represented in galleries in Arizona and North Carolina, with private and corporate collectors in 18 states. Her paintings have been published in multiple editions of the American Art Collector (Alcove Books) and Art & Color 365 Magazine.
Artwork for charity fundraisers include: Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona, Arizona Humane Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Arizona, RRR Horse Rescue, Animal Protection Society of Durham, and additional fundraising events for animals in need. She is also a sponsor for the Epilepsy Foundation, SPCA of Wake County and Durham Rescue Mission. She currently lives in North Carolina.