From October 28 through November 12, Blue Rain Gallery celebrates the impactful new series of work by animal and figurative painter, Robin Jones. In approximately 16 paintings, Jones expands on past themes of climate change, endangered species and the young people “who will inherit the planet we leave them,” she remarks. Viva La Vida, oil, white and 24k gold leaf on aluminum panel, 36 x 48"

“[The show], You Were Born with Wings, is a celebration of youth and the planet…,” says Blue Rain executive director Denise Phetteplace. “Bridging cultures and connecting the threads of humanity and the animal kingdom, her paintings are undeniably rooted in environmental activism…”

New to her work, is Jones’s focus on endangered species with wings. “This includes birds like macaws, parakeets and eagles,” says the artist, “all the way down to insects like bees and dragonflies. We all know about the polar bears and other large mammals that are endangered, but I’m trying to feature other animals that aren’t as in focus in other areas of the world.”The Warrior Whispers Back, I am the Storm, oil, white and 24k gold leaf on aluminum panel, 24 x 36"

Jones also portrays Indigenous girls and young women, and “started focusing on [them]when I was trying to marry my climate change and species with figurative work,” she  explains. “When you go back to ecological movements, women have always been at the forefront. I also try to incorporate the flora and fauna of the girls’ native country or region to accompany.” 

The artist has noted she’s “playing with more complexity in this series. In the past, I was using a lot of earth tones, and suddenly, this year has been an explosion of cadmium red, yellow, orange and green. I didn’t plan it that way, but it organically evolved to where there’s a lot more vibrant color.”Year of the Tiger, oil, white and 24k gold leaf on aluminum panel, 24 x 30"

In show pieces like The Warrior Whispers Back, I am the Storm, we see this use of color as Jones plays off the vibrancy of two parrots. Jones creates shadow and light with a backdrop of white and 24k gold leaf on a panel of aluminum—a smooth surface that helps achieve great detail in the human face and getting fine lines for animal feathers.  

We see a small divergence in Viva la Vida, featuring a girl with her back to the viewer with hands thrown out in celebration, surrounded by ravens and an Enso Buddhist symbol. “This is one of the only pieces that doesn’t involve an endangered species,” Jones explains. “In every series, because subject matter can be so depressing, I want to also have a piece or two that celebrates life and the beauty of the planet. This is one piece that does that. With the girl’s arms outstretched, it’s like she’s soaring with the birds.” The title of the piece is taken from Frida Kahlo’s final painting of the same name—an homage to the iconic artist and furthering the “celebration of life” message. You are the Universe in Ecstatic Motion, oil, white and 24k gold leaf on aluminum panel, 16 x 26"

“I’m bringing awareness to these species,” says Jones of her intent with the new series. “With awareness comes care and with care comes action. I would hope that my paintings would also be a galvanizing force for action.” 

An opening reception will take place  at Blue Rain October 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.  —

Blue Rain Gallery  544 S. Guadalupe Street • Santa Fe, NM 87501 • (505) 954-9902 • www.blueraingallery.com 

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