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Jessica Libor

~ Studio Journal

Jessica Libor

Tag Archives: pre-raphaelite

Who were the Pre-Raphaelites? Inspiration behind the upcoming exhibit, The New Pre-Raphaelites

19 Saturday Sep 2020

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, Exhibitions, In My Studio, Inspiration, Journeys

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Tags

art, contemporary exhibition, Era Contemporary, John Everett Millias, painting, pre-raphaelite, the new pre-raphaelites, the pre-raphaelites

I’m very excited to be curating The New Pre-Raphaelites exhibition with Era Contemporary Gallery, opening virtually on September 25. Tickets are free to attend and you can register here!

There are 40 artists in the show and over 70 artworks available. This is truly an epic exhibit with some of the leaders in the contemporary realism art scene exhibiting. I’m so honored and humbled to be working with these amazing artists and people! I also have a few artworks in the show, seen below. Please contact me at jlibor@jessicalibor.com if you are interested in any of these pieces.

(Above) The Call, oil on panel, 36″ x 48″, by Jessica Libor
“Wonder”, oil on canvas, 72″ x 48″, by Jessica Libor
Transformation, oil on canvas, 36″ x 72″, by Jessica Libor

But who were the original Pre-Raphaelites, and what do they have to do with the exhibition today? The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a tight knit small group of artists working in England in the mid 1800s, who had a potent effect on the art scene and paved the way for Art Nouveau. Thier style was characterized by a sincere romanticism, use of costuming and storytelling, and a reverence for beauty and nature. The upcoming contemporary show, The New Pre-Raphaelites, is a collection of art by artists living today who are inspired by these same ideals.

To listen to more of my personal inspiration in relation to the Pre-Raphaelites and a more in depth history lesson, I invite you to listen to my episode 21 on The Inspired Painter Podcast all about this unique art movement.

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/isaxdm/Episode_21-The_Pre-Raphaelites8o4bl.mp3

Who were your favorite painters of the Pre-Raphaelites? I will have to say for me it is John Millais, the artist who painted the famous Ophelia. It epitomizes everything about the Pre-Raphaelites that I love: nature, costuming, an emotional mythical story, and beautiful craftsmanship.

The New Pre-Raphaelites exhibition through Era Contemporary is up all fall; visit www.eracontemporary.com for more details.

Jessica Libor

www.jessicalibor.com

The Rending

24 Thursday Oct 2013

Posted by Jessica Libor in Exhibitions, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Uncategorized

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Tags

art film, artistic, beautiful art, film, fine artist, Graduate Open Studios, graduate program, Installation Art, jessica libor, MFA, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, philadelphia art, pre-raphaelite, romantic art, sculpture art, student, video

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This past weekend I exhibited my first installation piece, The Rending. It is a combination of video and interactive sculpture elements. I would like to thank Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the staff there for allowing me the chance to exhibit, and for the ample help and support in setting up the installation. The Rending was exhibited October 19, 20 and 21, 2014, in conjunction with Graduate Open Studios.

The centerpiece of The Rending is the video, which I could not have produced without the filming and technical help of my friend Michael Grasso. Thank you for your patience and assistance! Also, there would be no star without Julianne Kelley, who did an amazing job getting into character.

The Rending starts before you enter the installation, with the request to remove your shoes. Once the viewer removes their shoes, they pull aside a pink silk curtain to reveal a semi-darkened room, with the video projected onto the far wall.

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IMG_4231IMG_4194As the viewer steps inside, they are stepping over 14,000 rose petals that are covering the ground. The scent of fresh roses permeates the room. The viewer may watch the video standing or choose to sit on the cushions placed in the center of the room, covered with a pink and gold tapestry cloth. If the viewer looks up, they are confronted with their own image surrounded by rose petals, reflected in a rectangular, gold-framed mirror. The mirror hangs at approximately nine feet above the ground by four gold chains. The audio of the film, with a soft, siren-like voices, also lulls the viewer and allows them to step into a dream like state.

The Rending has a reflective mood that is meant to be experienced by one or two people at a time. The video plays on loop, which allows for the viewer to watch it a few times if they choose.

This was my first time exhibiting an installation, and it was a very positive experience! I thought Graduate Open Studios would be the perfect time to test the idea on strangers who had no prior contact to my work. I stayed close to the exhibit during the times The Rending was open, working on a painting, but paying attention to how people responded and how I felt working in this medium. In a way it is more instant-gratification, like theatre. You immediately get a response from viewers, and engage them more directly by encouraging participation with your art. My favorite part was seeing people’s faces as they emerged from the installation. A lot of people seemed happy and uplifted, and a few told me they were really touched. Everyone had a unique response. I also enjoyed hearing people inside the room as they responded to seeing the thousands of petals, and to different parts of the film.

Julianne Kelley, star of The Rending, enters the installation

Julianne Kelley, star of The Rending, enters the installation

Mary McCann in the installation

Mary McCann in the installation

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I want to thank everyone who came out to see The Rending, and for my fellow students and professors who made this such a great experience for me by participating in and supporting this venture. I hope to do more in the near future, as an extension of my paintings and drawings.

Summer Update

25 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by Jessica Libor in Exhibitions, In My Studio, Inspiration, Journeys, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Arcadia Contemporary, Arcadia Fine Arts, art student, artist studios, Brad Kunkle, Brooklyn artist, castle, emerging artist, Erik Koeppel, female artists, gilding, Grand Central Academy Art, jessica libor, John Everett Millias, Lauren Fair Photography, Lauren Sansaricq, Malcolm Liepke, Master of Fine Arts, maxfield parrish, New York City, newport, newport art, NYC, oil painter, Ophelia, pafa, PAFA MFA, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, philadelphia emerging artists, pre-raphaelite, Rhode Island, Rossetti, steven assael, William Holman Hunt, william trost richards, young artists

Jessica Libor

Spring

This summer was an exciting one, full of lots of learning and traveling. Since my first year of my Master’s in Fine Art finished in May, I’ve been working in my studio at home a lot, sketching out ideas in my sketchpad, and planning out pieces.

Jessica Libor

Inside Steven Assael’s studio

One of the highlights was visiting Steven Assael’s studio. I originally visited to purchase a piece—a small, elegant sketch of a reclining woman, looking behind her. My friend Holly and I visited. It was a treat to see the inside of his Manhattan studio—a studio draped in heavy cloths and curtains like a theatre, with racks of antique costumes, masks and props hung over mannequins. Dozens and dozens of highly finished drawings, more beautiful than real life, filled up the walls. Mr. Assael ended up doing a quick sketch of me as I was there, as well. I was amazed at how quickly he could capture a likeness.  He was kind enough to give us advice as aspiring artists, as well.

Jessica Libor

Inside Steven Assael’s Studio, with work in process bride painting in the corner

Jessica Libor

Sketch of Jessica Libor, by Steven Assael, 2013

Being in New York City for a bit was inspiring. The hum and energy of the city always fills me with new energy, and I return home with a higher standard to hold myself to.

Jessica libor

Enjoying NYC

One of the trips there included a show at Arcadia in Soho—Malcolm T. Liepke’s solo exhibition. What I like about Liepke’s work is the consistency. Also, the way he uses color in the clothing, eyes, and hands of the figures is extremely pleasing to the eye. Loving fashion, I enjoy his interplay of high fashion and art. As always at Arcadia, the show was well attended, the gallery staff friendly and knowledgeable, and the show had substance and talent that was worth the trip.

Liepke

Liepke

Liepke

Liepke

Jessica Libor at Malcom Liepke show

Jessica Libor at Malcom Liepke show

An exciting day trip this spring was a trip to Washington, DC to the National Gallery of Art to see the show “Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Art and Design, 1848—1900”.  I arrived there just in time for to see the cherry blossoms in bloom!

Cherry Blossoms...heavenly!

Cherry Blossoms…heavenly!

I’ve always loved the Pre-Raphaelites, but after studying in depth their history and personal lives this past year, I was ready to see their pieces in the flesh. The show did not disappoint! The exhibition had all the major works by Pre-Raphaelite painters such as Millias and Rossetti.

Jessica Libor

Ophelia, by John Everett Millais

It was incredible to be able to stand inches away from Ophelia and be able to study the brushstroke’s Millias’ hand made. It was moving how sincere the artists in the exhibition were—they were fully committed to the image and to the story each piece told. Even though the Pre-Raphaelites were out of fashion for a time, it’s my belief that sincerity and passion stand the test of time, and are beginning to be recognized again for their value.

Rossetti

Rossetti

Hunt

Hunt

The National Gallery describes the exhibit: “The young members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, formed in 1848, shook the art world of mid-19th-century Britain by rejecting traditional approaches to painting. Combining scientific precision, an innovative approach to subject matter, and brilliant, clear colors, Pre-Raphaelitism was Britain’s first avant-garde art movement.”
This summer also involved several photo shoots—I’m lucky enough to have some lovely friends and family who were willing to pose for me. We did several photo shoots on beautiful summer days that involved some serious tree climbing, dress-up, and swimming. Thanks so much to my up-for-anything models Lauren, Tim, Courtney, Kelley, Adam and Todd!

Letting loose on a photo shoot...

Letting loose on a photo shoot…

With my two beautiful models, Kelley and Lauren!

With my two beautiful models, Kelley and Lauren!

Modeling for an artist sometimes means climbing trees...

Modeling for an artist sometimes means climbing trees…

Another highlight was being able to study with the gilder and painter Brad Kunkle for the day in Brooklyn. I’ve admired Brad’s work ever since I saw it at Arcadia, and it was wonderful to be able to learn from a master gilder and painter such as him.

Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn, NY

Jessica Libor and Brad Kunkle

Jessica Libor and Brad Kunkle

His unapologetically beautiful images of figures infused with mythological, but obscure, situations resonate with something of my own vision. After studying with him, gilding with gold and silver leaf back in my own studio goes much more quickly and easily, after learning the correct process of applying it in conjunction with oil paint.

Eidolon, gold and silver leaf, Brad Kunkle

Eidolon, gold and silver leaf, Brad Kunkle

My favorite--30,000 Feet, Brad Kunkle

My favorite–30,000 Feet, Brad Kunkle

Her Own Field, by Brad Kunkle

Her Own Field, by Brad Kunkle

During the late summer, I made the day long drive up to New Hampshire to study with landscape painters associated with the Grand Central Academy, Lauren Sansaricq and Erik Koeppel. It was here in the White Mountains of New Hampshire that dozens of artists from all over the world gathered to learn from Lauren and Erik. I had never taken a landscape instruction course in my life, and thought it was time. During the course of the week, our group painted in a different location outside each day, many of the locations the same ones that the Hudson River Valley artists painted in. It was a welcome change to be able to spend the whole day out of doors, in the crystal clear air.

New Hampshire streams

New Hampshire streams

New Hampshire woods

New Hampshire woods

White Mountains of New Hampshire

White Mountains of New Hampshire

After the course, I felt like I wanted to re-paint any landscape I’ve ever done, now that I knew the tricks and principles of Hudson River Valley painters as practiced by Lauren and Erik. I was lucky enough to see Lauren and Erik’s studio as well, and see their latest works in progress from their recent trip to Yellowstone National Park. I love the way their atmospheres look so airy and detailed.  Many thanks to them for opening up their home and studio to those eager to learn.

Get together after class--inside Lauren and Erik's studio

Get together after class–inside Lauren and Erik’s studio

Inside Erik and Lauren's studio

Inside Erik and Lauren’s studio

Painting in one of the overlooks in the mountains--Lauren is far left

Painting in one of the overlooks in the mountains–Lauren third from left

In the middle of painting on location...perched on some rocks in the middle of a stream!

In the middle of painting on location…perched on some rocks in the middle of a stream!

Below, some of the plein air paintings I was able to complete while in New Hampshire.  Please contact me at jlibor@jessicalibor.com if you’re interested in purchasing.

Jackson Falls, oil on panel, 10"x12", Jessica Libor 2013

Jackson Falls, oil on panel, 10″x12″, Jessica Libor 2013

Summer, oil on board, 8"x10", Jessica Libor 2013

Summer, oil on board, 8″x10″, Jessica Libor 2013

Blue Mountain, oil on board, 10"x10", Jessica Libor 2013

Blue Mountain, oil on board, 10″x10″, Jessica Libor 2013

Jackson Falls, study, oil on panel, 4"x6", Jessica Libor 2013

Jackson Falls, study, oil on panel, 4″x6″, Jessica Libor 2013

In August I was included in a group show at SOHO20 Gallery in Chelsea, NY.  I exhibited my piece, Anna of the Woods. 

Anna of the Woods, oil on linen board, 10"x12", Jessica Libor 2012

Anna of the Woods, oil on linen board, 10″x12″, Jessica Libor 2012

Another great trip was a visit to Newport, Rhode Island. This was such a fun trip, being a family vacation, so it was good to share explorations with my mom, dad, sister and her husband, and their crazy dog, Ollie. In between visiting the beach and exploring the town, we were able to hit up several museums and art galleries. Worth mentioning was the William Vareika Fine Art Gallery, right along Newport’s main street. They specialize in 18th and 19th century art, and have a huge collection of William Trost Richard’s paintings and drawings. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in that part of town.

William Trost Richards treasure room

William Trost Richards treasure room

Another fabulous museum is the National Museum of American Illustration, housed in a historical mansion close to downtown Newport. Here they house a large number of Maxfield Parrish’s illustrations and paintings, which look like glowing jewels inside the mansion. I’ve always admired Parrish’s work, so it was incredible to be able to study up close his paintings. Endless layers of glazes created his signature glowing effect. One thing that I really noticed about his work was the good design. The way he used trees, figures and architecture to balance and create tension in his work. For all his planning, his work has a sense of a dream world or alternate reality, in the best sense.

Daybreak, by Maxfield Parrish

Daybreak, by Maxfield Parrish

Maxfield Parrish

Maxfield Parrish

Maxfield Parrish, Dream Garden

Maxfield Parrish, Dream Garden

Maxfield Parrish, Moonlight

Maxfield Parrish, Moonlight

As far as my own work, I have planned out many of my paintings and transferred drawings to the boards that I work on. I have a clearer sense than before about the direction and feeling of my work. I’ve completed two paintings this summer, below.

The Reading, oil and gold leaf on panel, Jessica Libor 2013

The Reading, oil and gold leaf on panel, Jessica Libor 2013

April, oil and silver leaf on panel, 10"x12", Jessica Libor 2013

April, oil and silver leaf on panel, 10″x12″, Jessica Libor 2013

There are several more in my studio in different stages of gilding and painting.  I’ll be teaching a Master Painting class at a local art center this fall, and am excited for my first opportunity to completely create a course curriculum. I have updated my website and blog. I’m ready to start school again—my last year in school as an MFA 2 student at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Excited to dive into this year and immerse myself in that atmosphere of creativity once again.
I’ve also started a new project I am super excited about…I’ll be featuring different artists here on this blog, with in-depth interviews and photos that illuminate their process and thoughts that go into their work.  If you have suggestions for interesting contemporary artists, or are an artist interested in being featured, don’t hesitate to email me at jlibor@jessicalibor.com!   This project will be ongoing, fueled by a desire to help fellow artists from all career levels.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more posts on my journey as an artist!  Until next time, enjoy the last few days of Indian Summer 🙂

Exploring Newport

Exploring Newport

 

Image

“The Reading”…completed version

07 Wednesday Aug 2013

Tags

beautiful painting, classical realism, contemporary female artists, couple, emerging artist, emerging female artists, fine artists, fragonard, jessica libor, model, oil painters, PAFA graduates, painting with oils, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, pre-raphaelite, realist art, renoir, romantic painters, romantic paintings, romanticism, young artists

The Reading, oil and gold leaf on board, 16″x20″, Jessica Libor 2013

There’s nothing like the home stretch when you’re working on a painting.  I’ve poured many hours into this work and have pushed it further than I usually do–which I think I’m going to make into a regular thing 🙂  Above you can see the piece as it looks today (please imagine it without the watermark!) after I put in the final brushstrokes.   It’s all in oil, but there are accents of pure 23 karat gold leaf woven throughout.  The pattern along the edge of the silk cloth is all gold leaf, as well as the apples and oranges scattered through the grass.  I’m happy with it as a finished piece, for now.  I’m planning on this being another one to exhibit for my Master’s thesis exhibit in May.  When I am putting this many hours of planning and execution into each piece, planning ahead is a necessity.

Many thanks to Todd Barrett, who lent his superior modeling skills to me for this painting and for a few other upcoming pieces.  Todd is also a Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts student who is a great artist in his own right, tackling tough subjects in his art such as city crime.  Many thanks to this friend.

Todd Barrett

Thanks Todd!

The other model was pretty good too, since she knew exactly what she wanted out of the painting– seeing as it’s myself.

This piece was influenced by Renoir’s paintings of couples relaxing in the verdant grass in springtime, as well as the hyperrealistic Pre-Raphaelite paintings of people who although are staged in pastoral settings, have unseen tensions between or around them.

Renoir, woman with a parasol

Renoir, woman with a parasol

Posted by Jessica Libor | Filed under In My Studio, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

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