Jackie Garner
Demonstration - "Abstract Acrylics Drawn from Nature"
Tuesday 11th November 2025, 2.00 - 4.00pm in the Pavilion
Members who took part in the Nature in Art Museum (Gloucestershire) visit on 2nd September 2025 may have come across Jackie's work when viewing the comprehensive collection.
Short Report
Jackie had primed the board with two layers of acrylic primer and painted one layer of yellow ochre (a colour chosen for this painting) on top. She then used airbrush medium mixed with water and two other colours (one was Titan Buff) and moved the board around to get the running pain effect which she wanted.
While this running wash dried thoroughly, Jackie talked in detail about her move from traditional classic nature paintings, which she had been doing for many years, to a free and abstract style. This happened during the Covid lockdowns when she spent time in her studio playing with different techniques inspired by the book "Acrylic Painting Mediums and Methods" by a Canadian author [Rheni Tauchid] and looking at lots of work on Pinterest. Jackie explained how she compiled a chart (medium, subject, style and method) to evaluate what she liked most and also documented her experiments in a book (both the actual visual work and a description of how it was done) so that the effect could be reproduced when required in the future.
Jackie decided from these experiments that she liked contrast, layers, structure, pattern, textured surface, words and text. She said that these techniques were not compatible with nature or British Wildlife so her love of abstract painting was born. She explained a lot about the acrylic paints which she used including heavy body (like butter in summer), soft body (like double cream and to be used neat), ink (more accurately liquid acrylic and give it a shake before use), marker pens (release paint on nib pressure), aerosol spray paint, string gel (also called clear tar gel), modelling paste (mix with colour paints as desired and available in many forms - gloss, matt, mica flake) and, of course, clear or shiny primers, base layers and even [light] interference paint. Jackie says acrylic paints are unbeatable because they can do any style or effect. She sources her materials from Jacksons.
Jackie showed the effects of spraying water or surgical spirit (ethanol) on to wet acrylic paint (amazing) and commented "experiment with mediums and methods to get interesting effects". For example, mix some acrylic ink with a few drops of washing up liquid and blow into it with a straw to create bubbles. Use the bubble paint (applied directly to the surface) to get more amazing effects! She also showed how marble dust (preferably white, not grey) can be mixed with sticky gloss acrylic paint to get a textured colour.
Lots more to say but I'm sure this gives a flavour of the demonstration. Now try it at home!
Martyn Worman
Some photographs of the demonstration and of Jackie's work on display:
About Jackie (from her website):
I help people, who express their individuality through distinctive surroundings, fill their homes with unique art that sparks conversations.
My art is inspired by the sweet spot in the natural world where pattern, texture, structure and lustre converge. Contrasts of textures, erosion, layers and spirals are often the starting point for my art. I enjoy letting the work develop at its own pace, making creative decisions in response to the paint's flow or structure.
Acrylics are my ideal medium as their versatility suits the wide range of techniques I employ. I'll also include other materials such as braid, epoxy clay, stones and marble dust whenever the piece of art demands. When not in my studio, you'll most likely find me at the beach, searching for intriguing wave-sculpted treasures, sea-glass, fossils and rock formations. Outside of my art, I love challenging myself with fiendish brain teaser puzzles, chilling with friends, and binge-watching home-makeover shows.
See more of Jackie's work on her website
Jackie also has another website for Wildlife in Acrylics