Rebecca Jack’s work blends abstraction, figurative drawing, and portraiture into a unique, expressive style. We spoke with her about her creative process, influences, and the stories she hopes her paintings tell.
From Abstraction to Figuration
“I definitely do not plan anything,” Rebecca says when asked about her creative process.
Her work is rooted in three key elements: abstraction, figurative drawing, and portraiture. Early in her career, she approached these separately—portraiture focused on emulating a person, abstraction explored color, shape, and line, and figurative work captured gesture and emotion. Over time, she began to combine these practices.
“Now, when I do figurative work, it comes from a point of view of abstraction. I’m not trying to emulate a specific person—it’s all intuitive, coming from the subconscious.”
Rebecca starts her paintings abstractly, layering colors, shapes, and lines until figures begin to emerge. From there, the work evolves organically, almost like sculpting with paint. Mistakes and accidents are celebrated, adding depth and history to each piece.
“I see these figures three-dimensionally in my head. There are lots of layers of paint, so I build and remove layers. Mistakes are my biggest ally—they bring beauty and history into the piece.”
The Dance Between Abstraction and Representation
Rebecca describes her artistic journey as a continual balance between abstraction and representation.
“There’s a mystery in abstraction, and a unique quality comes from bringing that mystery into material form. I’ve worked in many subject matters and started bringing them together, and it’s become more focused on figurative work and expression.”
Influences include Richard Diebenkorn, who moved between abstraction and figurative work, and the abstract expressionists, whose energy and expressive brushwork resonate deeply with her. Techniques such as layering and scraping paint have become integral to her process, revealing the underlayers and history of a painting.
“Even when I have subject matter in mind, I love expressive brush marks, drips, and visible energy.”
Inspiration and Color
Color plays a central role in Rebecca’s work, and she draws inspiration from both intentional and unexpected sources.
“I’m very responsive—putting down a color and seeing how it reacts with others drives the next choice. Inspiration can come from anywhere: art books, interiors, sculpture… even walking my dog.”
She notices colors in the world around her, from dumpsters to semi-trucks, and finds connections to memory and emotion.
“Recently, I saw a color in a curb next to a dumpster that reminded me of a hair barrette I had as a kid. Color connects to emotion, memory, and experience for me.”
A Day in the Studio
Rebecca structures her studio time around her 12-year-old son’s school schedule.
“Once he leaves at eight, I might work out or handle some office tasks, then get to the studio around 9:30–10:00. I warm up with sketches or paper studies, then move on to three or four pieces I’m developing at a time. Some are just beginning; others more developed.”
Working on multiple pieces allows her to respond to each as needed, using paint efficiently while keeping the creative flow going.
“Consistency has been crucial for my practice. Even when I had a day job, committing just 10–20 minutes a day kept me connected to the work. Staying fluid and connected to the process every day is essential.”
What She Hopes Viewers Take Away
“I want stories about humanness, emotion, and the human condition to come through. The paintings are about creating a deeper connection, something maybe in the subconscious.”
In today’s world, with technology and AI rapidly changing how we live, she sees her work as a reminder of humanity: empathy, tenderness, reflection, joy, and playfulness. Each painting tells a story, not contrived, but allowed to surface naturally.
“I’m just trying to capture an essence.”
