Aviles Yesterday

Pastel by Jessica Shippee

Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jess Shippee is a self-taught artist who blends Realistic Art with a touch of Impressionism in her work. She finds endless inspiration in the historic charm of St. Augustine. The interplay of light, architecture, and history fuels her creativity, making it her favorite subject to paint.

She pushes the boundaries of hues to bring vibrant energy to the canvas. Her primary medium is pastels for their sparkle and luminosity. Jess joined the First Coast Pastel Society in 2016 to learn more about working with pastels and take advantage of opportunities to show her art.

“My favorite thing to catch is the light as it glows through a cluster of trees, causing that magic glow where the sky is yellow – warm from the sun before it reaches the blue of the sky. Plein Air painting has taught me how to ‘chase the light.’ If you look long enough, you can find beauty in any spot, even a dirt road and brown grass – just look beyond.”

Artwork purchased online can be picked up AFTER the exhibit ends on November 1, 2024 from the St. Johns County Administration Building (located at 500 San Sebastián View, St. Augustine, FL 32084).