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Purpose
The purpose of this website is to allow art lovers from all over the world to view and appreciate the artwork of artist Jeanie (MJ) Rest. You can read more about the artist in the About the Artist section below. If you are interested in purchasing or showcasing any of the art work featured on this website or in contacting the artist, click the Contact tab to view Jeanie's email address and contact information.
About the Artist
Mary Jean Rest, also known as MJ and Jeanie, lives in Duxbury, MA. When she 'retired' she began developing her talent as a pastel artist. Jeanie received a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan and previous to that attended two years at Denison University in Ohio. She was a stay at home Mom and worked at various part time positions in the Duxbury Schools as a teaching assistant, math tutor and teacher of Jr. Great Books. She also spent many years as a volunteer in the community and in the schools, plus she was an office administrator at a local real estate company and served on the Board of Directors for Berrybrook Preschool.
Since she started exhibiting, she has sold various paintings at the North River Arts Shows, South Shore Science Center, The Duxbury Art Association Summer Show and the Plymouth Art Guild. Most of her work is based on the marshes and beaches of the surrounding area, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard.
Since she started exhibiting, she has sold various paintings at the North River Arts Shows, South Shore Science Center, The Duxbury Art Association Summer Show and the Plymouth Art Guild. Most of her work is based on the marshes and beaches of the surrounding area, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard.
Artist Statement
I always admired different forms of art but never thought I had the innate talent people were born with, so I put any exploration of art on the back burner and thought maybe when I "had time" I'd take some lessons. Since being retired and introduced to pastels eight years ago, I have become addicted. Pastels are a forgiving medium and therefore they have given me the freedom to explore and make mistakes. Through instruction in pastels in particular, I have found painting is my way of combining both my love of nature and the environment with learning. Painting has taught me to appreciate the everyday things and seasons I took for granted. I now see colors and shapes differently than before I started to paint, and I look forward to the evolving seasons with the changing light and temperatures. Everything is more spectacular and vivid. I have gained a renewed appreciation of the colors, shapes and moods, which surround me in nature. My favorite subjects are the very things that define our environment on the South Shore: the beaches, marshes, woodland, beautiful skies and sunsets.
Another attraction to art is that it is very subjective and there is no 'right or wrong'. It has been very liberating to explore my observations through drawing and realize that art is a personal expression and I don't have to answer to anybody else other than myself. Finally, I discovered that I could combine both the logical and emotional side of my brain while interpreting a subject. Through different classes I learned about drawing from a geometric and logical perspective and was given some specific techniques, while still being able to emotionally interpret with color and creativity.
While putting together the different shows, I had to review my paintings and decide if there was something consistent or reflective running through my works that would give me a 'thematic title" or approach. What I observed was that everything I chose to paint had some type of 'path' either through the composition or leading into it. They say life is a journey and for me, my interest and enjoyment of working with pastels is one of the many paths I'm currently following. Recently, I have tried to branch out and try a little figure drawing, since I love to watch my grandchildren and their movements - another challenge which I can submerse myself in during the cold winter months!
I look forward to expanding my works and taking many more classes specifically with Donna Rossetti Bailey, who has taught me "its just a piece of paper, don't be 'a-scared' to try, and more importantly "to have fun". I hope you enjoy my work.
Another attraction to art is that it is very subjective and there is no 'right or wrong'. It has been very liberating to explore my observations through drawing and realize that art is a personal expression and I don't have to answer to anybody else other than myself. Finally, I discovered that I could combine both the logical and emotional side of my brain while interpreting a subject. Through different classes I learned about drawing from a geometric and logical perspective and was given some specific techniques, while still being able to emotionally interpret with color and creativity.
While putting together the different shows, I had to review my paintings and decide if there was something consistent or reflective running through my works that would give me a 'thematic title" or approach. What I observed was that everything I chose to paint had some type of 'path' either through the composition or leading into it. They say life is a journey and for me, my interest and enjoyment of working with pastels is one of the many paths I'm currently following. Recently, I have tried to branch out and try a little figure drawing, since I love to watch my grandchildren and their movements - another challenge which I can submerse myself in during the cold winter months!
I look forward to expanding my works and taking many more classes specifically with Donna Rossetti Bailey, who has taught me "its just a piece of paper, don't be 'a-scared' to try, and more importantly "to have fun". I hope you enjoy my work.