AERIAL - Jacqueline Rueckert Lakely

Jacqueline Rueckert Lakely has been a practicing artist and art instructor for over thirty years, and lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She has a list of exhibitions that encompass the Washington, DC area, Pasadena and Los Angeles, CA, England and Scotland, and the Chicago area, and this is her second show of miniature artworks. Whether working in her usual larger sizes or in miniature, she explores themes of the natural environment, the ethereal, and the veil between worlds. She primarily works in mixed media, including drawing with graphite, pastels, oil pastels, inks, painting with acrylics, and layering with elements of collage, image transfer and gels. She also likes to work in watercolor and drawing with charcoal. 

Jacqueline graduated with a BA in history and studio art in 1991 from Mary Washington College (now UMW), and did some graduate studies in painting and teaching art at Virginia Commonwealth University. She currently teaches mixed media classes and workshops here at OPAL, with classes set to begin again in the Spring 1 session (March 16-April 18). 

This series of tiny mixed media pieces is called Aerial, evoking a view from a secluded, safe, elevated perspective, suggesting peace, nature, and a sense of freedom. Some are expansive and some more intimate glances. These are all works on Rives BFK printmaking paper, using acrylic paint, oil pastel, ink, and collage.  They range in size from 3/4” to 2 1/2” and each one is framed in wood or plastic. 

To see more of Jacqueline’s artwork and learn about upcoming classes and exhibitions, please visit jackielakely.com or send her an email at jackielakely@mac.com to be added to her mailing list.