Newtown Square Public Library Hosts Jennifer Nettingham, Artist

First days at school, at a new job, or in a new home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But inaugural events are always full of potential, and Jennifer Nettingham’s first major solo art exhibit at Newtown Square Public Library rings all those bells.

Jennifer’s beautiful, intuitive, fluid art exhibit encapsulates a spirit of adventure and creativity which began with a question. Jenn loves to meditate, and as she was emerging from a deep state of contemplation one day, she decided to ask “What is it that you want me to do?” Immediately, she heard the word “Paint!”

Considering that she had no formal training as a painter, that seemed like a rather extraordinary message. But, being resourceful, she went online and Googled “painting techniques for people who don’t know how to paint.”

And Jenn found pour painting / liquid art.

What is it? It’s a process of combining acrylic paints with a pouring medium (like Floetrol) which essentially keeps the colors intact. It allows the individual tints to keep their integrity. The paints layer together without blending – which makes it possible to achieve an infinite variety of intricate patterns.

Individual colors are drizzled on a canvas, and then manipulated in a variety of ways. You can use heat (Jennifer uses a hair dryer to gently coax and lift the layers of color) or swipe the canvas with tools, or simply tilt the painting to see what emerges.

There are multiple other techniques – like the “Dirty Pour,” where the artist adds good dollops of multiple colors into a single cup. The cup is then inverted onto a canvas, and an explosion of color ensues. “Cells” often emerge – which are basically bubbles of color that can be reminiscent of stellar formations – or dreamy underwater vistas – or crème brûlée.

Jennifer described her attraction to the process:

This type of painting is a stretch. You have to give up control, which can be difficult. If you don’t step aside, so to speak, it doesn’t work. But when you surrender and let go - the beauty happens. It’s an expressive experiment in creativity – and that gives you a certain amount of freedom. The combination of air, water, earth, and heat can generate amazing results. In reality, you are just a conduit for the art, because all those forces influence the final result. I always start with a peaceful and calm intention, and I hope that is what others experience as well.

The beautiful range of results speak for themselves, and the Friends of the Library are delighted that Jenn’s first major energizing and engaging exhibit will be at the Newtown Square Public Library through August 26^th. The paintings will be for sale, and Jennifer Nettigham can be texted at 610.299.8613 – or followed on Instagram at jennsolove. Note: Two of Jennifer's paintings sold within hours of her opening! Don't miss this exciting show!

The Newtown Public Library is located at 201 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square. For information on joining the Friends of the Library, email friendsofnewtownlibrary@gmail.com or contact the Newtown Public Library at 610-353-1022. Visit the Newtown Square Library Facebook page and http://www.newtownlibrary.org.