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Jennifer Hock: The Eternal Learner in Art

Writer's picture: Linda ForresterLinda Forrester

In the ever-evolving landscape of art, Jennifer (Jenny) Hock stands as a symbol of continuous learning and artistic exploration. With a career spanning over five decades, Jenny's artistic journey highlights the importance of growth and the pursuit of creative expression. Her educational background is as varied as her artwork, including degrees and certificates in Education, Art Research Methods, Fashion Design, Drawing and Masterclass Certificates with various Australian Master Artists. Jenny's art has not only earned her a finalist spot in The Percival's Portraiture Awards year after year but has also brought her recognition far beyond Australia, with her works being appreciated in countries like New Zealand, Canada, Poland, Ireland, England, and Japan. Recently, she was selected for a feature in the “Artistcloseup” magazine’s May 2024 Edition, a nod to her distinctive vision and contribution to the art world. Her creations are deeply rooted in her fascination with nature, and an insatiable curiosity to explore different mediums and techniques.

 

Currently, Jenny is delving into the oil paint medium, employing techniques inspired by Renaissance and Baroque masters like Rembrandt and Rubens. This exploration is not just a study of historical methods but a quest to bring timeless techniques into the contemporary art scene, creating works that mesmerize with their depth and luminosity.

 

Jenny's influence by the Spanish Impressionist artist, Joaquin Sorolla, underscores her artistic philosophy—embracing the spontaneity of the creative process, allowing the artwork to reveal itself through the dance of light and shadow. He once said, “You should not know what your picture is to look like until it is done, to see the picture that is coming.” “He was right, I now just start painting and the works just evolve as the brush moves over the canvas” Jenny says. “Starting in a corner of the canvas, or top, or middle, or wherever, no longer remembering all the rules is such freedom and provides great pleasure.”

 



For aspiring artists, Jenny's journey is a beacon of encouragement. She underscores the importance of overcoming the hurdle of worrying about putting your work out there!  and embracing every learning opportunity. Echoing Mahatma Gandhi's wisdom, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”, Jenny lives her life as an eternal learner, embodying the belief that art, like life, is a perpetual journey of discovery and expression.

 

In explaining her work process, Jenny says, “All of my works start with an inspiring moment or the catching of the eye by something as I walk in the many beautiful areas of Queensland, Australia or overseas. I stop to take in a scene, then make sketches in my journal, and take photos for reference. My Journal work consists of pen and watercolour images, plus any notes about my thoughts and ideas at the time. I consistently try to do something in my journal each week, which is what keeps me inspired and spurs on the next major piece of work. The journal is the beginning process for my works, they become the reference for my paintings. Once a sketch or idea starts to emerge from a page as, ‘Pick me I am your next piece’, I start work. From here I make decisions about finer details like, size, composition, technique, colours etc. and then let the brush flow. I also enjoy working ‘en plein air’ and, composing and painting directly from still life. These both have totally different processes, but I find a lovely looseness in doing these works rather than working from a sketch or photo.”

 



Jennifer Hock's story is not just about her significant achievements and accolades but about her commitment to growth, learning, and the heartfelt desire to share the magic she sees in the world. Through her work, she invites us to pause, observe, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds. Jenny will be adding new artworks to her gallery over the next few weeks, so look out for them in her CCW online gallery.

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Convidado:
14 de abr. de 2024
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

Such an inspiring story about Jenny

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Avril Ayling
14 de abr. de 2024
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

Jenny has an amazing eye for balance in colour, tones and pattern forms light and dark and freely gives of herself to help others grasp the essentials and share her excitement for creating art.

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Convidado:
08 de abr. de 2024
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

Beautiful artwork

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Convidado:
07 de abr. de 2024
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

Amazing person Great artist Wonderful teacher

A true inspiration

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Convidado:
05 de abr. de 2024
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

What a wonderful article, such an interesting perspective on the art world.

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