“Uncle Woody & Me: Family Ties” unites nephew and uncle, Rory and Woody Jackson, in an exhibition that celebrates the career of an iconic Vermont artist, the importance of family and the rising success and evolution of Rory Jackson, the next generation of painter in the Jackson family. 

Woody Jackson’s connection to the Vermont landscape and to cows formed while working as a farm hand in Addison County. He appreciated not only the importance and history of dairy farming in Vermont but also the beauty of the landscape’s contrasts; black and white herds against the lush palette of the farmland, forests and mountains. Because Jackson started as a printmaker, he needed to simplify what he saw in the landscape. He enjoyed the geometry that emerged in this process. Later, when he made the switch to painting, he had the freedom to create more complex compositions but he maintained the stylized forms and expressive, vivid palette. Woody Jackson continues to paint today, to find new vistas, and to represent them in compositions and palettes that celebrate and honor the Vermont landscape.

“This show marks the 50 th anniversary of my first exhibit called COWS. It was at the Johnson Gallery at Middlebury College courtesy of my printmaking professor David Bumbeck in April 1974. It has been a long and sweet relationship with the dairy farms, farmers and Holsteins of Vermont. It seems so long ago and so fresh at the same time. There have been many changes in situation, style and economic status but always a continuity and steady bearing to my true North. I am still in love with the Vermont scene, appreciating every day’s changing light, colors, skies and vistas. As my painting professor Bruce Muirhead stated many years ago. “ I just paint the same picture over and over again” . I do the same but with changes in me, time and experience. Every piece is brand new, with a wide variety within the constancy of Holsteins. I am still discovering and exploring in my studio with my colors and cows. Rory is an excellent artist, very skilled at drawing and painting, with a much more realistic depiction of the same Vermont we inhabit and recreate on canvas and paper. A very generous and open hearted soul, I am proud to share this show with him. Needless to say, I have known him since he was knee high to a calf, a member of the tribe of Jackson cousins that overran our family gatherings. It was and continues to be a wild tribe, but still strongly connected as cousins with all their aunts and uncles. I love him and all of them.”

To view Woody Jackson’s available work, click here:

Rory Jackson was raised in a family of artists and he credits their encouragement and mentoring, along with time he spent at the Art Students League of New York under the tutelage of Max Ginsberg, for his development as a painter. Like his uncle Woody, Rory feels a deep connection and sense of belonging to the Vermont landscape, especially that of Addison County where he lives and has his studio. He paints in a more representational style than his uncle and has spent years out in the landscape observing, sketching and studying the drama of its changing skies, the effect of light and shadow on the land and the shift in palette that comes with each season. Jackson is driven to paint by a desire to capture the majesty of Vermont’s landscape. He has become an acclaimed painter whose work is sought after and collected widely. 

It is an honor to share an exhibition with uncle Wood, the  iconic vermont artist, master colorist and prolific painter who continues to create an undeniable legacy.

The tradition of making art, specifically oil painting is such a courageous way to make a living. I have been privileged to grow up within a family tradition of creating art, and Wood has played a huge role in my artistic process, through his encouragement, advice and friendship.

This series was created in an attempt to pay homage to Woody, his work and the holsteins that have become synonymous with his name. We are reminded of how their stark black and white markings add an eye catching design as they integrate into the landscape in Vermont. How beautiful it could be again, to see them grazing freely like Woody’s first cows in the 1970s.

To view Rory Jackson’s available work, click here:

Join us for an opening reception and artist talk on Friday May 24th 2024 from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at Edgewater Gallery on the Green, 6 Merchants Row. There will be opening comments given by Rory Jackson followed by Woody Jackson’s artist talk. Enjoy live music, light refreshment and drink. The event is free and open to all.

For more information about “Uncle Woody and Me: Family Ties” Rory & Woody Jackson, call 802-989-7419 or email [email protected].