- Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Doyle Allison.Jacqueline Doyle, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
As an artist, my story can be remembered in just four simple words – dirt, dreams, despair and destiny.
My parents would tell you it is a miracle I am an artist because they were told when I was a baby that I might be blind. You see I have a genetic eye condition, and I wear contacts, but it has luckily never led to blindness. After I pointed to dust in the air as a toddler and cried “DIRT,” my parents knew I would be ok.Growing up in the Southwest surrounded by dramatic mountains and sweeping panoramas, and side by side with vivid Native American art, it is no surprise that I am still inspired by bold colors and strong design and use them in my paintings. My favorite subject in school was always art and childhood memories usually involved creative projects. In high school, I won a contest to create an ad for the local natural gas company. Years later, they still use the little gas flame character I created. I went on to study art and got a BS in Mass Communications/Graphic Design. I graduated right in the middle of a severe recession and couldn’t find a job in graphic design and, after working so hard to get my degree, I was really depressed. About that time, I also went through a difficult divorce and moved across the country. Knowing I needed to work, I began what would be a wonderful career in corporate America as an executive assistant in the technology industry, but my painting was put aside for years as I figured out how to find my way in the world. In the late 90’s, I had met and married my wonderful hubby and was leading a happy life in Atlanta. I started having this recurring dream about forgetting a pet bird only to find it just before it died. I had this dream over and over and couldn’t figure out what it meant. Frustrated, I researched recurring dreams and finally realized it was my creativity that was “dying” and at the suggestion of a friend, joined her in a painting class. Once I picked up that paint brush, I have never put it down again. Oh, and the dreams stopped too.Life changed radically for me in 2012. I got the dreaded call from my doctor “you have cancer.” That call launched seven months of rigorous treatment; emotional upheaval and a world turned upside down. I was in despair, angry and scared but finally came to realize that the one thing I could control was my attitude. I decided to be as positive as I could and to find the good in the situation. My husband was my hero and we became even closer; my family was amazing, and friends gathered around and offered their support. Ultimately, I discovered having a life-threatening illness totally transformed the way I look at myself, my life and why I create my art. That decision to look for the positive became the focus for painting and sharing my art. Fast forward six years later and I am healthier and happier than ever before. We recently made a lifestyle change by moving from Atlanta to the Mountains of North Georgia; a dream we had been putting off until my illness and then realized, if not now, when? My paintings have become richer and even more authentic. Sharing a positive message through my art has become my intention and it truly feels like I am doing my life’s work – my destiny.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I consider myself an abstract expressionist painter and each of my acrylic paintings is a visual journal created by layers of paint, texture and mark making. Working spontaneously, I allow each layer to dry before applying the next coat; a process that allows time for the painting to “speak” to me about what comes next. Expressionistic marks are painted intuitively, and I love the impression they give of writing or graffiti. My work is created in series and I try to do 3-4 series of 6-8 paintings a year; all with a positive or uplifting theme. Along with each series, I write a correlated article sharing my inspiration with email subscribers and social media. I often listen to music while I paint and am very influenced by anything that has a positive message including music, literature and poetry. The world is filled with new and exciting experiences, and I especially love being outdoors in the mountains and traveling, both of which really invigorate my paintings. Creating art is as essential to me as breathing. It is my sanctuary; stress relief; passion and purpose. I love everything about creating art — buying art supplies; painting in my studio; stimulating critiques with other artists; and ultimately seeing my paintings hanging in a gallery, corporation or collector’s home.Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Painting is a joy and I try to keep that top of mind when I create. I also bring that same spirit to the marketing and business side of art. Painting is a gift and I want to share that talent with anyone who sees my paintings. I would encourage artists to find their unique voice and focus on creating art that makes them happy. People can see that sincerity when they look at an artist’s work and I believe, really respond to it. Ultimately, I believe art is an extension of and a view into our deepest selves.What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find my paintings at Markay Gallery in Historic Downtown Marietta and on my website, www.jacquelineallison.com. You can also follow me on my blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineDoyleAllison?ref=stream
https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinedoyleallison/v
https://twitter.com/jacquelineallis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-doyle-allison-921498b6
https://jacquelineallisonblog.wordpress.com/Contact Info:
- Website: jacquelineallison.com
- Email: jacquelinedoyleallison@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinedoyleallison/v
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineDoyleAllison?ref=stream
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacquelineallis
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-doyle-allison-921498b6
Image Credit:
Jacqueline Doyle Allison
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