Jen Paschke

Update: SOLD Having fun playing with a new-to-me art supply—oil pastels. We hatched this little lavender orpington from a fertile egg under one of our broody hens a few years back. For 12 weeks we wondered if its name should be "Ellie" or "Elvis," until curved and pointed saddle and hackle feathers came in on this sweet chickie. "Elvis" went back to @seabreezehens. "Ellie or Elvis" 5.5" x 8.5" tempera paint + oil pastel on paper #jenpaschkeart #houstonartist #chickenart #shoplocalhouston #1stsatartmarket #oilpastel

Had a great time visiting with patrons and fellow artists at Hardy and Nance Studios Plantasia Art Show!

"Interwoven: Trophia"
18 x 24 (19.5 x 25.5 framed)
acrylic inks + acrylic on canvas

I've really enjoyed working on wood panels throughout my Houston Backyard Birds Series, but thought it time to kick it up a notch. This new piece is hot off the easel, awaiting it's debut this Saturday, May 7 from 11-6 at 540 W. 19th St. in the Houston Heights. Stop by and say hello!

18" x 24"
acrylic ink + acrylic on wood panel

Interwoven: chordata
18" x 24"
acrylic + acrylic ink on canvas

I had so much fun creating this piece, weaving together creatures at once familiar and fantastical while playing with color and sweeping forms.

Another "Backyard Bird" has joined the flock. Northern Flickers regularly visit the live oak tree outside my studio window. Visit this one tomorrow from 11-6 at 540 W. 19th St. in the Houston Heights.

6" x 8"
acrylic on wood panel
framed

Cedar Waxwing also available.

Update: SOLD Another "Backyard Bird" has joined the flock. Northern Flickers regularly visit the live oak tree outside my studio window. Visit this one @1stsatartmarket tomorrow from 11-6 at 540 W. 19th St. in the Houston Heights. 6" x 8" acrylic on wood panel framed Cedar Waxwing also available. #houstonart #houstonartist #houstonheights #shoplocal #shoplocalhouston #1stsatartmarket #jenpaschkeart #birdpainting #texasbirds #houstonbirds #backyardbirds #wildlifeart #womeninbusiness #womenartists #artistsoninstagram #fineart #birdlovers #birdlovers

All the individual handmade pieces have come together in time for this Saturday's 18th Anniversary of the First Saturday Arts Market.

Butterflies made from tissue paper, wire, stone clay and paint; flowers crocheted from cotton yarn or made from upcycled tissue paper; leaves hand sewn using up-cycled cordueroy.

Started a new series of bright, colorful florals. So much fun! Each is 8 x 10 acrylic on canvas.

As a child I lived down a stoney rural laneway from "the pigeon house," an old derelict dwelling taken over by a large flock of pigeons. I spent hours watching their behaviors and antics. Occasionally I would find an injured bird and do my best to nurse it back to health, including one successfully set broken wing.

It has been decades since I've given "the pigeon house" any thought, and pigeons have become, rather than a focus, an element in the backdrop of my now-urban life.

I've decided to take another look at these intelligent, mate-for-life creatures, featuring them in a number of works completed in a variety of styles and media, from a realistic portrait as part of my Houston Backyard Bird Series to abstract renditions. Stay tuned. Here are a few to lead off the series:

Sometimes my art is wearable.

Burlap + wire + wool yarn + cotton fabric + tissue paper + embroidery floss + bleach + ink + stone clay + acrylic + buttons + thread

After working on several more detailed figurative works, I took a break to play with ink and abstraction. I love the "magic" of working with inks and water, the feeling of being completely in and sometimes out of control at the same time.

A few new pieces...

I've been working on a Houston Backyard Bird Series inspired by the many species I see daily flitting about in the trees outside my window or bathing in my backyard fountain. Blue Jay, Male Cardinal, White-winged Dove, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, and House Finch are all frequent visitors to my own backyard. Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Eastern Bluebird, and American Goldfinch were requests that are definitely common in the Greater Houston area. Stay tuned for other species to join the flock...

Each is 6" x 8" Acrylic on wood panel