The natural beauty and mystery of the Mississippi Delta swamps in an intimate perspective—that’s what artist Bill Jackson offers his audience. Usually Delta lands are known for their flat, uninspiring views, but Bill gives his art a unique vision by drawing his inspiration from the mystery of natural form and an antithesis of dark and light. Jackson wants his admirers to appreciate his vision in the unmistakable beauty of the Delta wetlands.
This outdoor landscape artist is not driven to paint human portraits. Instead, Bill is fascinated by Nature’s face and the hypnotic elixir of the swamp’s pungent smells. The all-important reference work he does in the bayous allows him to roam the still waters in his kayak, capturing shots with unmeasured freedom. At times, Jackson arms himself with paints and canvas instead of a camera lens. To coax the elusive swamp to reveal its most intimate moments is a great test of his merit, but Bill does not disappoint his audience. The sun’s reflections on the green, plant-stained water are translated with fluency, as this artist recreates diffused light with magical perfection.
Bill wages a tireless journey to capture the “wow” effect on his canvas. Recreating the elusive essence of these quiet waterways is his primary artistic goal. His test for a painting’s merit is simply stated: “Have I captured my audience’s attention? Are they drawn to want more? Have I told a story well enough?”
Currently Jackson remains near his Mississippi Delta roots, where he continues to paint his primary subject—the swamps. Since each one has its own personality, the abundance of Mississippi’s wetlands offers many opportunities for Bill to expand his painting interests state-wide, perhaps venturing later to swamps in other parts of the United States.
Bill strives to imbue his Delta swamp paintings with a personal identity. He has chosen both acrylic and oil as his mediums, employing a remarkably classical, but realistic touch with his re-creations of natural, timeless scenes. Reworking a painting until its story comes alive speaks to the evolution of Bill Jackson as an artist: “I started drawing as a kid because it represented a big challenge. I felt compelled to prove my ability both to myself and to others.” As a seasoned artist, Bill still demands creative growth from himself by learning new techniques to enhance his art. Bill Jackson, a perfectionist at his craft…leaving an unquestioned legacy in his breathtaking impressions of the Delta swamps.