I first got to know Madison artist Jen Dunlop last fall when she began renting one of our three private art studios. Dunlop’s staple is her ability to create organic forms on canvases using tissue paper, glue and iridescent acrylic paints to “transmute” her darkness into light. Many people compare her artworks to trees, or even arteries and veins.
Since she’s showcasing her art as part of “Finding Color In the Chaos,” which last until April 30, I wanted to check back in with her for a little Q&A sesh.
Dunlop has been a resident of Madison for 20 years. An artist since elementary school, Dunlop learned this technique while at Madison Area Technical College in 2011, where she ultimately studied for two semesters. She completed a summer course at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles in 2000, too. The rest of her art background comes from taking high school art classes. Dunlop also has experience drawing vibrant fairies and angels.
What have you been up to since we checked in with you last fall?
I really just focused on getting ready for the Carnelian Art Gallery show, a lot of which was preparing the painting I did for the live painting session on opening night. I’m not making anything new right now.
@jenskyart #carnelianartgallery #jenskyart #madison #artshow @Carnelian Art Gallery ♬ original sound – Jen Sky Art
@jenskyart♬ original sound – BILLIE EILISH
@jenskyart #jenskyart #painting #artist ♬ #BrooklynBloodPop! – SyKo
Since you’re not creating anything new, are you taking a step back from art? Or will you be trying something new?
I’m getting ready to go to California. I used to live there. I have family and friends I’ll be visiting there, since I’ll be an empty nester soon. I’m also grieving the loss of a close family member. When I was planning my trip, I came across the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association. And so I’ll probably just be au plein air painting by the sea. The group has coursework for beginners, and I have always been inspired by the ocean and Laguna Beach. Art has also been such a big part of my healing journey. It will be nice to be in a different creative environment.
How does it feel to be part of “Finding Color In the Chaos”?
I love it. I loved (during the opening reception) meeting other artists, seeing their work and hearing the stories behind their art. It’s really been awesome and rewarding. Doing the show and having my art displayed was a goal I was able to achieve. I want to express my gratitude to Carnelian Art Gallery for helping me achieve that goal.