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STATEMENT:
I have always been attracted to the greatest painters throughout art history; be they figurative, historical or abstract in subject matter. I have also made an effort to study with as many modern masters as possible to understand my connection with art history as a painter and to refine my ability to capture on what I think is important from life canvas or paper. My goal with painting is to represent something in real life that you can relate to and feel on an emotional and psychological level. There is no need for you, the viewer, to have a formal education in how paint or media is applied or how composition is arrived at…those are my problems to solve. Just as you do not have to play every instrument or hit every note from your favorite musicians in order to appreciate their ability to touch you through music and voice. My goal is to take you to a place visually that at times may be a challenge, at times intimate, but always sensitive…and always to engage you on a human level.

Through that motivation we have a dialogue about life that reflects things that we have in common, can relate to or at least aspire to appreciate or experience. Through that visual dialogue, we can make a connection that ideally will elevate both of us.

SELECT FINE ART EXHIBITIONS:

• Nicole’s Studio & Art Gallery / Feb-March 2008 - “Musical Visions”
• Nicole’s Studio & Art Gallery / Nov-Jan 2007-08 - “It’s a Colorful Life”
• Flanders Art Gallery / Raleigh / August 2007
• Visual Art Exchange / Raleigh / August 2007
• Morning Times Gallery / Raleigh / June 2007
• Riviera / Raleigh Restaurant / May 2007
• Artspace Studio Gallery 2004-5, 2006-7
• Artspace / January 2005 Hall Exhibit
• Raleigh Fine Arts Exhibition / 2003
• Glance Gallery / September Exhibition / 2003
• Art Space Figurative Exhibition / 2003

EDUCATION:

BFA – East Carolina University 1995 | Concentration in Painting and Drawing
While at ECU I focused primarily on drawing and painting the figure and portrait work with a healthy dose of commercial art classes as well. I came away with a strong understanding of drawing and the ability to focus figuratively or abstractly. I owe a great deal of my passion and desire to improve as a painter to instructors that I had there like Paul Harley, Ray Elmore, Leland Wallin, Mel Stanforth, James McElhinney, Clarence Morgan, Arlene Burke-Morgan, Michael Voors and Catherine Walker. Other instructors that I owe a great deal to include Frank Creech, Shane Neal & David Leffel. Last but not least, Internationally renowned classic artist and instructor: E. Raymond Kinstler at The Arts Students League in New York City.

Post-Graduate Training:

• E. Raymond Kinstler NA / November 2006, February 2005 / Art Students League, NYC / Painting the human figure and portrait.
• E. Raymond Kinstler NA / November 2004 / National Academy, NYC / Painting the human figure and portrait.
• David Laffel / September 2004 / Gainesville, GA | Five day workshop focused on painting and drawing portraits and still life. Laffel was also a teacher at the Art Student’s League, NYC.
• PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA | 2003-2005 | Annual conference on portrait painting and drawing with the top national and world leaders in the industry.

TEACHING WORKSHOPS:

• NICOLE’S STUDIO & ART GALLERY | Raleigh, NC – Ongoing classes and workshops Figurative, Still Life’s and more throughout 08  -visit nicolestudio.com for current info
• JERRY’S ARTARAMA | Raleigh, NC
Figure Drawing / 2007 Two Intensive Figure Drawing Weeklong Sessions / 2007 Two Workshops at Art of the Carolinas / 2007 Three Weeklong Workshops Upcoming in 2008 
• ARTSPACE | Raleigh, NC
Painting Faces, Hands & Feet / 2004 Figure Painting in Oil 2004  Long Pose Figure Study / Moderator / 2001 to 2006
• SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION ARTS | Wakefield, NC
Instructor 2004-2007

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Before committing to painting and teaching full time Jonathan worked as an Art Director and Manager in the video game industry with such notables as the author Tom Clancy and the teams that created the international award winning titles Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon and
Halo 3.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Artspace Artists Association, Raleigh, NC / President-2004
Portrait Society of America
American Society of Portrait Artists
Oil Painters Society of America
Johnston County Arts Council / Board of Directors / 2004