Mixed media artist Jill Pearson shares a colorful and dynamic portfolio of abstracts inspired by the landscape. See more by visiting her website.
“Confetti Sea” mixed media, 36″ x 36″
If someone told me in college that I would someday be an abstract artist, I would have laughed! Majoring in illustration, I received my BFA from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2001.
“Lemon Zest” mixed media, 10″ x 10″
My digital collage illustrations were created using layers of scanned objects, photographs, drawings and magazine clippings in Photoshop. They were printed in many editorial publications and hung in shows at New York City’s Society of Illustrators.
“Kiss the Tide” mixed media, 10″ x 10″
Eventually I discovered that I liked playing in Photoshop more than following the sketch I had created for the art director. Missing the tactile nature of paint, I began exploring mixed media abstract art as a respite from the computer and the demands of commercial art. I had success selling my work online for many years, but did not yet get involved in my local art scene.
“Atlantis” mixed media, 36″ x 48″
Life got busy. Feeling creatively burnt out, my attention was focused on raising my young children for quite a few years. However, I kept my home studio because deep down I knew there was more to come.
“Too Many Fish in the Sea” mixed media, 24″ x 24″
I began to paint regularly again in 2021. After Covid we were all eager to get out in the world and meet people face to face. I started entering local shows and making artist friends who encouraged me to keep pushing forward. In addition to selling online, I show my work in galleries, juried shows, and art fairs in the Philadelphia region. I am hoping to expand to other areas soon.
“Regatta” mixed media, 20″ x 20″
My current work is created using acrylics, collage and drawing media. Layering remains key to my process. With no undo button or the ability to save multiple versions, many of my pieces end up going through huge shifts until the final piece emerges. I may lightly paint over an area, so the previous layer peeks through. Then I sand back another area to reveal what was hidden beneath.
“The Smell of Spring” mixed media, 24″ x 30″
Working out the colors and composition directly on the canvas allows layers to build up and create a rich history and depth that I could not achieve if I started with a preconceived plan. Unlike illustrating, my work is nonrepresentational, yet is often inspired by the landscape.
“Echo on the Edge of the Tide” mixed media, 20″ x 20″
I believe an artist’s career is a journey of exploration, and each endeavor informs the next. My formal art education, coupled with years of exploration with digital collage, served as a foundation for my abstract mixed media work. As a freelance illustrator I also learned to create a signature style and market my work. This has been a huge benefit as a fine artist.
“Stranded” mixed media, 16″ x 16″
I now call myself an award-winning professional abstract artist. This is something I never would have considered when I began my formal art education over 25 years ago. I encourage all artists to keep an open mind and not be afraid to investigate different mediums and avenues throughout their careers.
Jill Pearson invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook.
Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!
