Jesse Lane
NEWS
SOLO SHOW
RJD Gallery, Romeo, Michigan
January 1 - 31, 2022
"Immersions ~ Revelations of the Soul"
Artist Statement
This body of work is a visual journey of recovery, self discovery and becoming bold enough to step into the unknown and find love.
We are all on our own journey of inner contemplations and emotions. We interpret and digest life's experiences in our own unique way, giving meaning to art. At some point, we all turn inward to decode the greatest mystery we will ever encounter: the mystery of one's self. We are all shaped by the world around us. However in these works, I shaped the world around the figures as a physical manifestation of their inner world.
Every piece begins with an emotion I pair with water.
Water can create a depth of emotional experiences. It can gently flow with a soothing slowness. Water can rush and crash, representing intensity or chaos. Or it can immerse, bringing us into a world of fantasy.
Immersion is my favorite role that water plays. When we are underwater, we are out of our element. We cannot speak, rather we take things in. We observe and think. The ocean presents itself as both a potential threat and a comforting shelter. In the ocean, we are perhaps at our most calm, yet we are simultaneously vulnerable, out of our element.
There are many parallels between the ocean and love. The feelings of love engulf us. Love makes us feel weightless. It's magical. It involves stepping outside ourselves into new territory and experiencing someone different from us. However, love is delicate. Our emotions can spiral. We realize that to love someone means being vulnerable. Even if we’re careful, we can get hurt... so hurt it can feel as though we will never recover.
As confusing as love is, it's something we live for. Whatever feelings we experience, they are often deep, like an abyss.
American Art
Collector
If you'd like to know more about my solo show, pick up the January, 2022 issue of American Art Collector.
In the article, RJD Gallery owner Richard Demato says, "Jesse Lane continues to do the impossible -- challenge, delight, and inspire us with his exquisitely rendered photorealistic drawings created only with colored pencils. Each artwork looks as though it were shot through a lens, focusing and perfectly lit, capturing with stunning precision a moment in time."
Color Magazine
On the Cover
That's my piece Witness peeking out from the cover of the January 2022 issue of Color Magazine.
Inside, there's a step-by-step demo detailing how I drew Witness.
Dark skin is my favorite with its bold colors and array of subtle textures. Drawing dark skin has improved by ability to render other skin tones, as well.
Fine Art
Connoisseur
Undercurrents is featured in the June, 2021 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine.
The article, "A Time for Twosomes," says artists have long been intrigued by couples not only for their narrative potential, but because their body language.
You can read the article here.
The Guide Artists
Magazine
ON THE COVER
Undercurrents is the first colored-pencil piece to ever appear on the cover of The Guide Artists Magazine.
The March 2021 issue includes a 20-page article on my artwork, which you can read here.
This beautiful publication profiles figurative artists from around the world.
The Artist
Magazine
Hypnosis is the first colored-pencil piece to ever appear on the cover of The Artist Magazine in the UK.
Inside, there's an article on how I created Hypnosis step-by-step.
It's the November, 2020 issue
John Dalton Podcast
IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW
John Dalton interviews leading figurative artists in his marvelous "Gently Does It" podcast.
What an honor to be included!
You can hear our chat here.
International ARC Salon
I'm so happy that Undercurrents is a finalist in the renowned 2021 International ARC Salon.
With almost 5,000 entries, this is the top competition for realism in the world.
Yahoo News
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YAHOO VIDEO
YAHOO!!!
My artwork is featured in a video on the Yahoo Money website.
The headline reads "This work of art is made using only colored pencils."
UK COLOURED PENCIL AWARDS
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DOUBLE TROUBLE
Being in a show together is twice as much fun! My wife, Kinsey, and I teamed up to enter the top colored pencil exhibition in the UK, and we both won top prizes.
Her piece won Best of Show in the Nature Division at the UK Coloured Pencil Society's Annual International Exhibition. My portrait, "Labyrinth," was awarded Best Pure Cooured Pencil.
2020 CIPPY
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TOP INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Dreams really do come true! My piece Undercurrents has won the art world's top award for colored pencil, the CIPPY, from the Colored Pencil Society of America. There were almost 800 entries in the 28th International Exhibition.
Undercurrents has also been accepted into exhibitions hosted by Allied Artists of America the Hudson Valley Art Association, and Richeson75.
BOYNES EMERGING ARTIST
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BOYNES EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
More great news! I've just found out that I've won the Boynes Emerging Artist Award. There were more than 400 entries.
The goal of the award is to give emerging artists a platform. Thank you Chantal Boynes and the award judges.
ON THE HORIZON SHOW
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'ON THE HORIZON' SHOW
I'm excited that four of my pieces are in a new show at RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, NY. The theme of the show is "On the Horizon."
"This group of award-winning artists continues to be trailblazers in the world of figurative art," says gallery owner Richard Demato.
IGOR SPRING SALON
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INTERNATIONAL REALISM GUILD AWARD
Great news!
My piece Labyrinth has been awarded Best Portrait Prize in the International Guild of Realism Spring Online Exhibition.
PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA
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PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA HONOR
Abyss is being honored by the Portrait Society of America.
Abyss is a finalist in the "Outside the Box" category of the Members Only Competition. It was selected from 1,158 entries.
Abyss is available at RJD Gallery.
REALISM TODAY
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REALISM TODAY
My article on creating "Abyss" can be found on the Realism Today website.
I describe my drawing process... and begin a new underwater series of imaginative realism.
ARTISTS MAGAZINE ARTICLE & DEMO
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ARTIST MAGAZINE ARTICLE & DEMO
Want to find out how I drew one of my most popular pieces?
There's a step-by-step demo of Abyss in the November issue of Artists Magazine. I explain how light layering can get photorealistic results in colored pencil.
FIND YOUR VOICE BOOK
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"FIND YOUR VOICE" BOOK
In today's online world — flooded with artwork every day — it's no wonder artists struggle to find their own voice among the masses.
This book contains personal stories, guidance and concrete advice from 12 of the most recognizable artists in the colored pencil world. I wrote a chapter of the book, put together by Ann Kullberg.
CPSA AWARD
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INTERNATIONAL HONOR
I'm thrilled that Abyss won second place in the International Exhibition of the Colored Pencil Society of America. The prize includes the $2,750 District Chapters Award for Exceptional Achievement.
Thank you Juror Jean Stern. Congratulations to all the winners!
FINE ART CONNOISSEUR
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FINE ART CONNOISSEUR
Prevail is in the August issue of Fine Art Connoisseur magazine!
It's featured in the article "Games People Play," a collection of artwork featuring athletic pursuits.
Prevail is available at RJD Gallery.
BREA CPSA EXHIBITION
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INTERNATIONAL COLORED PENCIL EXHIBITION
So happy! Abyss is featured in promotion for the 27th Annual Colored Pencil Society of America International Exhibition.
This is the place to see the best colored pencil artwork from around the world. The exhibit is July 31-Sept. 13 at the City of Brea Art Gallery, near Los Angeles.
I hope to see you there!
ARC SALON
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"ARC" SALON FINALISTS
Wow! Three of my pieces -- Abyss, Insomnia, and Resolve
-- have been selected as finalists in the 14th Annual ARC Salon.
The Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon is considered one of the most prestigious completions for realism and representational art. There were over 4,300 entries from 73 countries.
Face Reality Home
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HAPPY COLLECTORS
Texans Jim and Jennifer Seale have big hearts.... and a passionate love of art.
Thank you for adding my piece, Face Reality, into your impressive collection. I think artists and collectors have a very special bond.
Guild of Realism Prize
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"PIONEER OF REALISM" AWARD
I'm honored to have just won the "Pioneer of Realism" Award from the International Guild of Realism.
The winning piece is After the Storm. It's included in the first ever IGOR Winter Salon Online Exhibition.
Southwest Art Award
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ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
I'm thrilled that my piece Labyrinth has won Third Place in Southwest Art Magazine's "Artistic Excellence" competition, out of more than 1500 entries. Wow!
Click here to read the article.
MINUS37
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MINUS37
I've just discovered Minus37, an online magazine featuring the best in emerging photography, art, fashion and music from artists under 37 years old.
Thank you for the fabulous article, editor Natalie Hale.
AMERICAN ARTISTS' PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE
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PRESIDENT'S AWARD
My latest drawing, Insomnia, is the winner of the President's Award in the American Artists Professional League's 90th Grand National Exhibition.
You can take a look at this top-notch exhibit through November 19 at the Salmagundi Club in New York City.
STORY BEHIND ADRENALINE
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THE STORY BEHIND "ADRENALINE"
For me, every piece of artwork represents a chapter of my life.
But my piece Adrenaline has a special backstory.
You can read it here.
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST COVER
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INTERNATIONAL ARTIST COVER
Labyrinth is on the cover of the October/November issue of International Artist magazine!
Inside, you'll find an eight-page article about my artwork and my process, including a step-by-step guide for creating Labyrinth.
DERWENT DEMO VIDEO
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COLORED PENCIL DEMO VIDEO
Derwent's new Lightfast Colored Pencils are fantastic. They're the only 100% lightfast colored pencils on the market.
Here's a fun video I made showing how to use the pencils to draw a waterdrop.
Take a look HERE.
PROFESSIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE
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PROFESSIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE
I'm extremely honored to be selected as the "Spotlight Artist" in the August/September issue of Professional Artist magazine.
The article states, "Working almost exclusively in colored pencil... Lane elevates the medium to fine art." Copies of the magazine are available here.
AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR 4-pages
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AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR
What a thrill to see my work stunningly displayed in the April issue of American Art Collector.
If you'd like to know more of my story... my inspiration and my process... I'll send you a free copy of the article. Just subscribe to my newsletter in the sign-up box at the bottom of this website.
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST LABYRINTH
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MAKING HEADLINES
You might want to pick up the April issue of International Artist magazine.
Open it up, and the very first story is about my drawing Labyrinth, the Grand Prize Winner in the magazine's Favorite Subjects Challenge. I think there's a labyrinth inside each of us.
GRAND PRIZE -- INTERNATIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE
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GRAND PRIZE -- INTERNATIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE
My drawing Labyrinth is the Grand Prize Winner in the Favorite Subjects Challenge, sponsored by International Artist Magazine.
I'm especially pleased because my piece Manifest won this same competition last year, competing against entries from around the world.
A BRIEF HISTORY
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A BRIEF HISTORY
That's my drawing Labyrinth inside the new issue of American Art Collector.
The magazine previews A Brief History, an exhibition in celebration of Black History at RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, February 10 - March 11.
THE GUIDE ARTISTS
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STUNNING FIGURATIVE WORK
The Guide Artists magazine is a treasure trove, a collection of stunning figurative work from around the world.
I'm very pleased to be featured in the February issue.
That lovely piece on the cover is by artist Yoel Diaz Galvez of Mexico.
DERWENT BOX COVER
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A DREAM COME TRUE
When I was 18, my biggest dream was to someday see my art on the cover of a colored-pencil box.
That dream has come true! I was commissioned to draw this piece for Derwent's new Lightfast Drawing Pencils. They will be available in sets of 12, 24, 36 and 72, as well as sold individually. You can see me demo the pencils here.
Gallery 25N
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DRAWING 2018
If you love drawing, you won't want to miss Drawing 2018, Gallery 25N's online exhibition.
I'm very honored that Labyrinth got the top prize, which includes the Christopher E. Burke Fine Art Grant. The grant is provided to visual artists worldwide.
ARC SALON
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INTERNATIONAL ARC SALON
You can bet I got a big shot of adrenaline when I found out two of my drawings have been accepted into the 13th International ARC Salon: Adrenaline and Face Reality.
It's known as the most prestigious realist art competition in the Americas. There were over 3700 entries from 69 countries. Both paintings are available at RJD Gallery.
COLOR BOOK COVER
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COLOR BOOK COVER
If you're a colored pencil artist, you'll want to add this new book to your library. COLOR 2017 is filled to the brim with step-by-step instruction, artist profiles and critiques.
Thank you editor Ann Kullberg for putting After the Storm on the book's cover.
AUSTRALIAN HONOR
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INTERNATIONAL HONOR
A top prize in a big competition "down under." Labyrinth was awarded "Best Non-Member" artwork in the international exhibition hosted by the Australian Society of Coloured Pencil Artists.
The judge had this to say: "Magical and powerful image! Original composition, unbelievable level of skill rendering water and skin textures, superb use of tonal variations and limited palette colours. This drawing is almost three-dimensional, coming out from the surface of the paper. Bravo!"
PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA
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PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA WINS
I'm delighted that two of my pieces are winners in the Portrait Society of America's annual Members Only Competition... selected from over 1,000 entries.
After the Storm is the ninth-place winner in the Self Portrait category, and Labyrinth is a finalist in the Non-Commissioned Portrait division.
CP TREASURES 5
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COLORED PENCIL TREASURES
Face Reality is included on the cover of a beautiful new book: CP Treasures 5, Colored Pencil Masterworks from Around the Globe, by Ann Kullberg.
I'm thrilled to be part of this unique publication, which honors the best of colored-pencil art. The book is available through Amazon.
AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR -- FIGURATIVE ART
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AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR
Adrenaline is featured in an in-depth look at figurative art in the December issue of American Art Collector.
The articles states, "RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, is recognized for its roster of leading figurative artists. Among them are Jesse Lane, Margaret Bowland and Katie O'Hagan."
ARTISTS ON ART
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ARTISTS ON ART MAGAZINE
All artists paint with light. I share my thoughts and tips on the magic of lighting in the December issue of Artists on Art magazine. My article is titled "Anatomy of Light."
The issue is packed full of articles written by some of the top representational artists today.
STROKES OF GENIUS
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STROKES OF GENIUS
MANIFEST is included in a fabulous collection of drawings published by North Light Books.
"Strokes of Genius 9: Creative Discoveries" includes works from 140 artists in "a breathtaking diversity of styles and approaches." It's available at books shops, art stores and through Amazon.
AMERICAN ART AWARDS
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AMERICAN ART AWARDS
Adrenaline is a First Place winner in the 2017 American Art Awards. Organizers of the competition say it's juried by 25 of the top galleries and museums in America.
Adrenaline is available at RJD Gallery in New York.
Richeson75 Figure/Portrait Exhibition
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RICHESON75 INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
I'm pleased to announce that Oasis has been selected for this year's Richeson75 International Figure/Portrait Exhibition.
This top-notch show will open at the Richeson School of Art & Gallery in Kimberly, Wisconson, October 25, and continue through December 9.
FACE REALITY AT RJD GALLERY
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FACE REALITY AT RJD GALLERY
My latest piece, Face Reality, is now on display at RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, NY.
How great to finally meet the extraordinary Richard Demato and his team... and to be part of this exciting, innovative gallery.
CPSA INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
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WASHINGTON, D.C. EXHIBITION
I had a great time talking with art lovers about my piece Adrenaline at The Mansion at Strathmore Gallery.
It's the 25th Annual Colored Pencil Society of America International Exhibition, showcasing the world's most amazing colored pencil works. It continues through Aug. 6.
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THE WASHINGTON POST
Adrenaline is making national news!
This is my largest and most ambitious drawing, and it's featured in the Washington Post. The article showcases the 25th Annual International Exhibition of the Colored Pencil Society of America. You can read the story here.
HUDSON VALLEY SHOWS
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HUDSON VALLEY NATIONAL EXHIBITION
My drawing Adrenaline is featured in the 84th Annual National Juried Exhibition of the Hudson Valley Art Association.
This top-notch show is at the Salmagundi Club in New York City through May 5. Last year, my portrait Resolve won a first place honor.
AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR: "NO BOUNDARIES"
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AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR
American Art Collector has a great preview of No Boundaries in its May issue.
My piece Adrenaline is in the show at RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York. The exhibition, through June 18, features a diverse group of artists, each with a unique storytelling ability. Hope you can make it!
ON THE COVER: THE ARTIST'S MAGAZINE
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THE ARTIST'S MAGAZINE COVER
This is incredible!
After the Storm is on the cover of the The Artist's Magazine. The headline reads "Colored Pencil Cracks the (Fine Art) Ceiling." Inside, there's an in-depth article about my process and background. The story shows that colored pencil can be as rich and nuanced as any other medium.
GALLERY REOPENS BIGGER AND BETTER
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GALLERY REOPENS BIGGER AND BETTER
Great news!
Just three months after being reduced to ashes in a major fire, my amazing gallery, RJD Gallery, has reopened.
The new venue is in Bridgehampton, NY. It's three times the size of the old gallery and absolutely stunning. RJD specializes in American Magic Realism. I hope you can pay us a visit.
HEARTBREAKING GALLERY FIRE
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HEARTBREAKING GALLERY FIRE
My wonderful gallery -- RJD, in Sag Harbor, NY -- has been destroyed by fire.
The blaze broke out the morning after my solo show, Face Reality, closed. Five of my pieces were destroyed, along with $1.4 million in art. I'm so grateful no one was injured. My heart goes out to owner Richard Demato, who promises to reopen.
GRAND PRIZE -- INTERNATIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE
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GRAND PRIZE -- INTERNATIONAL ARTIST MAGAZINE
Woohoo!
My portrait, Manifest, is the Grand Prize Winner in the Favorite Subjects Challenge, sponsored by International Artist magazine. An article on the piece -- its inspiration and creation -- is in the December/January Issue.
FACE REALITY: AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR
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AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR
Great previews of my solo exhibition, Face Reality, are in both the October and December issues of American Art Collector Magazine.
The magazine says: "In his highly detailed colored pencil drawings, Jesse Lane uses the human figure as a vessel for emotional expression."