“Untitled (Rust Series – Circular Composition),” Meredith Jones (20th c.), c.1965–1980, watercolor & ink on paper, 24 × 18 in. (round format), signed “Jones.”
A rare circular-format watercolor and ink abstraction from Meredith Jones’ acclaimed Rust Series, this mid-century modern work features oxidized sienna blooms, deep black reactive pigment clusters, and atmospheric gray diffusion. A striking example of Jones’ experimental approach to organic abstraction and pigment oxidation, ideal for collectors of postwar American art and mid-century modern works on paper.
This 24 × 18 inch watercolor and ink work—rendered within a distinctive circular boundary—is a refined and unusually elegant example of Meredith Jones’ Rust Series, a body of mid-century work defined by oxidizing pigments, biomorphic shapes, and controlled chemical reactions on paper.
The core of the composition features two dense black pigment blooms, their feathered edges created through wet-on-wet dispersion and reactive ink pooling. Surrounding these forms are bursts of rust-orange, ochre, and mineral gold tones, evoking the natural oxidization of metal and the organic spread of corrosion. These hues radiate outward in soft halos, blending into atmospheric gray washes that give the work a sense of suspended, floating energy.
The circular format intensifies the specimen-like quality of the imagery—resembling a microscope slide, a magnified biological sample, or a geological cross-section. This framing underscores the scientific, exploratory spirit of the Rust Series, in which Jones studied the tension between growth and decay within natural processes.
The gentle paper texture, deliberate water diffusion, and pigment back-runs demonstrate Jones’ precise command of experimental watercolor technique. The result is a work that feels elemental—both eruptive and meditative—capturing the transformational character of mid-century American abstraction. Signed “Jones” at the lower edge.
Meredith Jones was an American mid-century abstract artist active from the 1960s through the 1980s, associated with experimental watercolor, biomorphic abstraction, and postwar modernist approaches to organic form. Though not extensively documented in institutional archives, Jones’ works appear in private collections and regional exhibitions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic art scenes.
Jones’ most distinctive and collectible body of work—the Rust Series—emerged during the late 1960s and continued into the 1980s. In this series, Jones used watercolor, ink, and oxidizing pigments to create compositions suggestive of geological activity, cellular formation, corrosion, and atmospheric disturbance. The work reveals influences from Abstract Expressionism, Surrealist biomorphism, natural science illustration, and early studies of chemical pigment reactions.
Collectors and curators value Jones’ Rust Series for its sophistication, experimentation, and conceptual cohesion. Each piece—whether circular, oval, or rectangular—demonstrates a mastery of water-based media and an interest in entropy, growth, and transformation. Today, Jones’ work stands as a compelling representation of the lesser-known innovators of mid-century American abstraction.
MEREDITH JONES (20th Century)
Untitled (Rust Series – Circular Composition)
Watercolor & ink on paper, 24 × 18 in., circular format, signed “Jones.”
A rare round-format example from Jones’ Rust Series featuring oxidized pigment blooms, biomorphic forms, and expressive diffusion.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Meredith Jones (20th c.)
Title: Untitled (Rust Series – Circular Composition)
Medium: Watercolor & ink on paper
Dimensions: 24 × 18 in. (circular composition)
Signature: Signed “Jones”
Date: c.1965–1980
Provenance: Acquired in NYC; Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (current)
This artwork is an authenticated example of Meredith Jones’ Rust Series, identifiable through its circular format, oxidized sienna/orange “rust blooms,” deep black reactive pigment clusters, and biomorphic diffusion consistent with other works from the series.
Private Collection, New York
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC — Current Owner
This original painting, crafted with rust, watercolor, and ink, beautifully showcases Jones' truly unique approach, where the raw beauty of rust serves not just as a foundation but also as an unexpected surprise element. The intricate process of transferring rust onto the paper allows it to 'bleed' through, creating an organic backdrop that she then enlivens with vibrant ink and stunning watercolor embellishments.
“Untitled (Rust Series – Circular Composition),” Meredith Jones (20th c.), c.1965–1980, watercolor & ink on paper, 24 × 18 in. (round format), signed “Jones.”
A rare circular-format watercolor and ink abstraction from Meredith Jones’ acclaimed Rust Series, this mid-century modern work features oxidized sienna blooms, deep black reactive pigment clusters, and atmospheric gray diffusion. A striking example of Jones’ experimental approach to organic abstraction and pigment oxidation, ideal for collectors of postwar American art and mid-century modern works on paper.
This 24 × 18 inch watercolor and ink work—rendered within a distinctive circular boundary—is a refined and unusually elegant example of Meredith Jones’ Rust Series, a body of mid-century work defined by oxidizing pigments, biomorphic shapes, and controlled chemical reactions on paper.
The core of the composition features two dense black pigment blooms, their feathered edges created through wet-on-wet dispersion and reactive ink pooling. Surrounding these forms are bursts of rust-orange, ochre, and mineral gold tones, evoking the natural oxidization of metal and the organic spread of corrosion. These hues radiate outward in soft halos, blending into atmospheric gray washes that give the work a sense of suspended, floating energy.
The circular format intensifies the specimen-like quality of the imagery—resembling a microscope slide, a magnified biological sample, or a geological cross-section. This framing underscores the scientific, exploratory spirit of the Rust Series, in which Jones studied the tension between growth and decay within natural processes.
The gentle paper texture, deliberate water diffusion, and pigment back-runs demonstrate Jones’ precise command of experimental watercolor technique. The result is a work that feels elemental—both eruptive and meditative—capturing the transformational character of mid-century American abstraction. Signed “Jones” at the lower edge.
Meredith Jones was an American mid-century abstract artist active from the 1960s through the 1980s, associated with experimental watercolor, biomorphic abstraction, and postwar modernist approaches to organic form. Though not extensively documented in institutional archives, Jones’ works appear in private collections and regional exhibitions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic art scenes.
Jones’ most distinctive and collectible body of work—the Rust Series—emerged during the late 1960s and continued into the 1980s. In this series, Jones used watercolor, ink, and oxidizing pigments to create compositions suggestive of geological activity, cellular formation, corrosion, and atmospheric disturbance. The work reveals influences from Abstract Expressionism, Surrealist biomorphism, natural science illustration, and early studies of chemical pigment reactions.
Collectors and curators value Jones’ Rust Series for its sophistication, experimentation, and conceptual cohesion. Each piece—whether circular, oval, or rectangular—demonstrates a mastery of water-based media and an interest in entropy, growth, and transformation. Today, Jones’ work stands as a compelling representation of the lesser-known innovators of mid-century American abstraction.
MEREDITH JONES (20th Century)
Untitled (Rust Series – Circular Composition)
Watercolor & ink on paper, 24 × 18 in., circular format, signed “Jones.”
A rare round-format example from Jones’ Rust Series featuring oxidized pigment blooms, biomorphic forms, and expressive diffusion.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Meredith Jones (20th c.)
Title: Untitled (Rust Series – Circular Composition)
Medium: Watercolor & ink on paper
Dimensions: 24 × 18 in. (circular composition)
Signature: Signed “Jones”
Date: c.1965–1980
Provenance: Acquired in NYC; Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (current)
This artwork is an authenticated example of Meredith Jones’ Rust Series, identifiable through its circular format, oxidized sienna/orange “rust blooms,” deep black reactive pigment clusters, and biomorphic diffusion consistent with other works from the series.
Private Collection, New York
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC — Current Owner
This original painting, crafted with rust, watercolor, and ink, beautifully showcases Jones' truly unique approach, where the raw beauty of rust serves not just as a foundation but also as an unexpected surprise element. The intricate process of transferring rust onto the paper allows it to 'bleed' through, creating an organic backdrop that she then enlivens with vibrant ink and stunning watercolor embellishments.
