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Ashley Cecil: The Art Journalist

by William Lehman on January 17th, 2007

Ashley Cecil submitted this piece to me this last week. I’ve been spending some time looking at Ashley’s work on her site and have been quite surprised at the variety of work that she has done.

While much of Ashley’s work is journalistic in style, there is a definitive look to her painting which has the water color appeal even in her oil paintings. This is not a bad thing though, Ashley has remained very detailed while often working on smaller scales than traditional artists usually do. I prefer her larger images due to the outstanding detail and color that is exhibited so much more.

Her 20×49 of “The Valley” below is my personal favorite of her collection. It is also the largest. I love the detail represented here. It is slightly reminiscent in part of Van Gogh’s “Caffe Terrace” painting as you can see also below.

Maybe it is just me who sees that similarity?

I think what I’ve found that characterizes Ashley Cecil from other artists out there is she paints things that have an impact and then uses the proceeds from that painting to contribute to the cause. Obviously an amazing artist, she is also an advocate for changing lives. Here is how Ashley sees herself:

Welcome to the marriage of painting and social activism. I’ve been creating art ever since discovering that my mom’s Chanel lipstick made a great oil pastel. Through formal art education and years of professional experience, the adult version of this vocation has evolved into my own job title, “painting journalist.” I’m addressing philanthropic issues utilizing painting as my medium of communication. Much like a photo journalist, I travel to locations/events of cultural interest and capture them, only with my brush.

Ashley, what a perfect combination of unique gifts you have and a great way to utilize them. Ashley is also planning a trip to Venezuela, Feb 16-25 of this year with a group called “Witness for Peace”. While we can expect some great paintings out of this trip, I am sure we can also expect some benefits to the people of Venezuela too.

Thank you for sharing your art and your mission with us Ashley.

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Tags: social activism, art, artist, journalism, Ashley Cecil

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POSTED IN: Art News, Artist Profile, Your Art