Work samples
About Jonathan
Jonathan West is a Baltimore area artist known for his large expressionist work. Following his "It's Time To Run Like Hell" series, his "Paintings of Heaven" and vividly painted landscapes, portraits and still lifes employ a brighter, more optimistic pallette and viewpoint. Jonathan shows actively and paints constantly in different series. Follow the Light !
Statement:
At 65 years young,I continue to paint everyday from a place of childhood wonderment,striving to capture… more
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Figures in Time and Space
I continued to be inspired by modern mystical poetry in 2023.This series of paintings explore a spiritual approach to the figure as it moves through time in a space created with color and light.
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PARADISEPARADISE acrylic on canvas 48"x 36" 2023 PARADISE depicts the Garden of Eden before the Fall of Man. This painting was selected for a National Juried exhibition at Oxford Arts Alliance in 2023.
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AWAKEAWAKE acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2023 AWAKE was inspired by modern spiritual poetry and is intended to inspire the viewer to pursue a higher state of consiousness.
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Lady of the MoonLady of the Moon acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2023 Inspired by Mystical poetry and my Mother's passing along with the promise of a Grandchild. This evocative painting tickles the imagination.
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PLATONIAPLATONIA acrylic on canvas 48" x 36"2023 PLATONIA explores the boundaries of Time and Space and the substance that holds it together. The painting was inspired by girls with Hula Hoops at concerts. This is where it took me.
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Song of SongsSong of Songs acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2023 Song of Songs was inspired by a poem written by Jen Arnold- "The Mood of the Mambo". It explores the Biblical relationship between God and Man.
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The DancerThe Dancer acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2023 Inspired by a poem by Jen Arnold - "Alana, Plese Dance At My Wedding."
More Poetic Visions
I have continued to seek inspiration from fresh modern poetry and made many paintings in 2022.
Here are several of my favorites.
Here are several of my favorites.
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The Blue Sky GodsThe Blue Sky Gods acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2022
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Mystery CatsMystery Cats acrylic on canvas 30" x 24" 2022
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Peace Be Within YouPeace Be Within You acrylic on canvas 24" x 36" 2022
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WaterfallWaterfall acrylic on canvas 36" x 24" 2022
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The Green Goddess of SpringThe Green Goddess of Spring acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2022
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One DayOne Day acrylic on canvas 24" x 36" 2022
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In My Father's HouseIn My Father's House acrylic on canvas 30" x 40" 2022
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The Love BombThe Love Bomb acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2022
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Le Pont d'AvignonLe Pont d'Avignon acrylic on canvas 30" x 40" 2022
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GRACEGRACE acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2022
Mystical Poetic Visions
I am deeply involved in a year long quest to attain a higher level of Spirituality into my paintings.
I have sought out the poetry from a single modern mystical poet as visionary inspiration for a large series of paintings .
I am employing three important areas in my process:
* The Investigation of Light via Color
*The Poet as Muse
*The Restating of Image via the Compositions recorded in the History of Art
As I paint,my focus becomes energized by emerging visions,two dimensional canvas becomes a three dimensional cube of light.
As I employ mettalic paints as well as floresecent colors ,these paintings become otherworldly when viewed thru 3-D glasses.
Follow the Light .
I have sought out the poetry from a single modern mystical poet as visionary inspiration for a large series of paintings .
I am employing three important areas in my process:
* The Investigation of Light via Color
*The Poet as Muse
*The Restating of Image via the Compositions recorded in the History of Art
As I paint,my focus becomes energized by emerging visions,two dimensional canvas becomes a three dimensional cube of light.
As I employ mettalic paints as well as floresecent colors ,these paintings become otherworldly when viewed thru 3-D glasses.
Follow the Light .
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The Better Angels of Our Nature.jpgThe Better Angels of Our Nature is a Spiritual painting inspired by modern mystical poetry. The title is from a quote by Abraham Lincoln.
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Lei Hulumanu.jpgLei Hulumanu is inspired by modern mystical poetry in this case rooted in Hawaiian traditional values.
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The Lady of the ForestThe Lady of the Forest acrylic on canvas 48"x 36" 2020
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In The Garden With NEOWISEIn The Garden With NEOWISE Acrylic on canvas 48"x36" 2020
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The Wishing TreeThe Wishing Tree acrylic on canvas 36"x24" 2020
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Let It GoLet It Go acrylic on canvas 48"x36" 2020
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The King of SpringThe King of Spring acrylic on canvas 24"x20" 2020
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AUAU ATU MARUAUAU ATU MARU acrylic on canvas 30"x 48" 2020
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The All and the NothingThe All and the Nothing acrylic on canvas 48"x 30" 2020
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Dragonfly ReikiDragonfly Reiki acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2020
DREAMSCAPES
My DREAMSCAPES are designed to evoke an anigmatic sense of wonder,a psychic narrative of the sublime journey through my imagination.Instilled with elements of New Romanticism and Magic Realism,enchanted figures are found confronting mysterious space and timelessness as colorful positive expectation.
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Ooo Oh En Ee.jpgOoo Oh En Ee (two ocean's creek) acrylic on canvas 30 x 24" 2021
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Jasmine Winds.jpgJasmine Winds acrylic on canvas 60" x 48" 2021
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Dog and Butterfly.jpgDog and Butterfly acrylic on canvas 24" x 20" 2021
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The Conference of Birds.jpgThe Conference of Birds acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2021
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ESPERANCE.JPGESPERANCE acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2019
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Leda and the Swan.jpgLEDA and the SWAN acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2019
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Aphrodite's Rest.jpgAPHRODITE'S REST acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2019
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LILITH.jpgLILITH acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2019
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Galatea.jpgGALATEA acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2019
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The Forgiving Dream.jpgTHE FORGIVING DREAM acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" 2018
The Exquisite Bouquets
These floral still life paintings were born out of the reality of the pandemic.
Flowers were purchased weekly from the same vendor at the Bel Air Farmer's Market
and captured in paint before the arrangement began to wilt.
Exqisite vases were reasearched on eBay and the internet and the bouquets were placed in appropriate vases.
The beauty of the vases and the bouquets has to do with the living relationship of our life as beautifully concieved by "man"- be that
parents , partners, history of self, holding forth our Spirit life as perfected vase upon vase of flower holding forth/together this is the soul/
the union of flesh and spirit/ "matter and ether enflamed in cohesion."
Flowers were purchased weekly from the same vendor at the Bel Air Farmer's Market
and captured in paint before the arrangement began to wilt.
Exqisite vases were reasearched on eBay and the internet and the bouquets were placed in appropriate vases.
The beauty of the vases and the bouquets has to do with the living relationship of our life as beautifully concieved by "man"- be that
parents , partners, history of self, holding forth our Spirit life as perfected vase upon vase of flower holding forth/together this is the soul/
the union of flesh and spirit/ "matter and ether enflamed in cohesion."
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Konstrakta.jpgKonstrakta acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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We Are Stardust.jpgWe Are Stardust acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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Printemps en Quimper.jpgPrintemps en Quimper acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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Jolly Good Show.jpgJolly Good Show acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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Now His Soul Can Dance.jpgNow His Soul Can Dance acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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The Future Monarch.jpgThe Future Monarch acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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La Belle Epoque.jpgLa Belle Epoque acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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Abbondanza.jpgABBONDANZA acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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Velmoss Scroll.jpgVelmoss Scroll acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
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Much To Her Delight.jpgMuch To Her Delight acrylic on cradled hardboard 20" x 16" 2021
Time to Run Like Hell Series
Communication and awareness are of the utmost importance to the artist today. Advances in technology have placed the entire world in our homes and studios and, in my case, spur an empathetic reaction to the world?s tragedies and human foibles, and, specifically, to our inhumanity towards one another.
As a contemporary artist, I cannot separate myself from this place and time. In my paintings I seek to define this reaction in cathartic, expressionistic and poignant notations that reflect on life and the finality of death. In my Time to Run Like Hell series, with titles such I Don?t Want the World, I Just Want Your Half, Nirvana (for Virginia Tech), The Smell of Death, and Buzkashi, I hope to present the viewer with uncomfortable, often horrific, situations in a sympathetic yet striking artistic manner that provokes both thought and compassion. The series extends to natural disasters with work such as Tsunami, The Big Easy, and Earthquake.
As a contemporary artist, I cannot separate myself from this place and time. In my paintings I seek to define this reaction in cathartic, expressionistic and poignant notations that reflect on life and the finality of death. In my Time to Run Like Hell series, with titles such I Don?t Want the World, I Just Want Your Half, Nirvana (for Virginia Tech), The Smell of Death, and Buzkashi, I hope to present the viewer with uncomfortable, often horrific, situations in a sympathetic yet striking artistic manner that provokes both thought and compassion. The series extends to natural disasters with work such as Tsunami, The Big Easy, and Earthquake.
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The Big EasyNatural Disaster, Abstract, Expressionistic, Acrylic, Painting
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EarthquakeAbstract, Expressionist, Natural Disaster, Acrylic, Painting
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Hate Crimes 101 (For Mathew Shepard)Social criticism, Abstract, Expressionistic, Inhumanity, Acrylic, Painting
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Running of the BullsAcrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionistic, Bulls,
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I Don't Want the World, I Just Want Your HalfSocial criticism, Abstract, Expressionistic, Inhumanity,War, Acrylic, Painting
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NIrvanaSocial criticism, Abstract, Expressionistic, Inhumanity, Acrylic, Painting
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Smell of DeathAbstract, Expressionistic, Inhumanity, Death, Destruction, Acrylic, Painting
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BuzkashiSocial criticism, Abstract, Expressionistic, Inhumanity, Acrylic, Painting
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Riders on the Storm
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TsunamiAbstract, Expressionistic, Seascape, Waves, Acrylic, Painting, Natural Disaster
Paintings Of Heaven
With the occurrence of the death of my childhood best friend, my paintings evolved from the “It’s Time To Run Like Hell” series to the “Paintings Of Heaven” series. These spirited expressions of light and color express my cathartic impressions of life and the inevitability of death. Often inspired by tragic current events, these paintings are guided by emotion, fate and subconscious spiritual principles.
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ALOHAAcrylic on Canvas , disaster,floral ,colorful,abstract ,expressionistic
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We Become Birds When We DieAcrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionistic, Freedom, Hope, Reincarnation
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MoreAcrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionistic, Nature, Power
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BubblesAcrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionistic, Newtown, Hope
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English GardenAcrylic,canvas,colorful , floral,landscape,colorful,bright ,insiprational
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Destinyacrylic,canvas,landscape,bright,green ,expressionistic
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Flow BlueLARGE,acrylic,canvas,abstract,blue,white,space, disaster,mural
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Captured AngelsAcrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionistic, Light, Color, Freedom
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Sugar TownAcrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionistic, Rhythm, Nature
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Pretty LandAcrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionistic, Light, Color, Spiritual Awakening
Nature Morte
This body of work celebrates the age-old tradition of still life painting with a modern twist.
The popularity of these paintings has encouraged me to continue with these smaller works.
I find the intimacy of their creation almost addictive.
The popularity of these paintings has encouraged me to continue with these smaller works.
I find the intimacy of their creation almost addictive.
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Once There Was a Wayacrylic,board,floral,decorative,ivy,bright,colorful
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And It Was GoodAcrylic on board 20" x 16" , colorful,floral,fruit,bright
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Limelightacrylic on cradled board 20" x 16" colorful,bright ,floral,citrus ,magnolia Painted from flowers from my yard.
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La Vie est Belleacrylic,board-16"x20" ,Paris,France,bird,teapot, holiday
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Tutti FruttiAcrylic on Board 20"x16"
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Secret GardenAcrylic on Board 20"x16"
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Le PappillionAcrylic on Board 20"x16"
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The WhoAcrylic on Board 20"x16"
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Queen Anne's PeachAcrylic on Board 20"x16"
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Bowl of CherriesAcrylic on Board 20"x16"
Return to Figuration
A recent return of the figure and landscape paintings,including "En plein Air"have enriched and broadened my perspective.I intend to pursue painting the figure in a landscape setting.
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Those Who Do Not Believe In Magic,Will Never Find ItThose Who Do Not Believe In Magic, Will Never Find It acrylic on canvas 36" x 48"
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Falling in Loveacrylic on cradled board 20" x 16" colorful,landscape,fall,leaves,bright
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Je Ne Regrette RienAcrylic on canvas painting 75" x 58" My reaction to the terrorist attacks in Paris 2015.
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Why Noacrylic on cradled panel painting of grapes and their essence.
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Heavenly Watersacrylic on canvas painting 48" x 116" depicting childhood memories of the woodlands near my home.
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The Road to Joyacrylic on cradled board 20" x 16" en plein air painting of Tounge Row in Ellicott City,Maryland. Completed in 2 hour time limit. Landscape ,spiritual,colorful
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Sanctuaryacrylic on cradled board 16" x 20" en plein air painting of the Icehouse at Liriodendron.
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Self Portraitacrylic on cradled board. searching my inner self
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Liriodendron-Blood Moon EclipseA painting of Liriodendron Mansion which was started en plein air and completed during the blood Moon Eclipse.Colorful,landscape,architectural.spiritual
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The Creation of Eveacrylic on cradled board 20" x 16" An image born of spiritual messages derived from a found seashell.
THE FOUR SEASONS
My fascination with seasonal changes led to the creation of my Spiritual interpretations of the Four Seasons...Winter,Spring ,Summer and Fall.
I completed the final painting in 2019 and look forward to exhibiting them together someday.
I completed the final painting in 2019 and look forward to exhibiting them together someday.
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Wolf Moon - Snow Angel.jpgWolf Moon - Snow Angel (Winter) acrylic on canvas 48" x 58" 2018
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Persephone Awakens.JPGPersephone Awakens (Spring) acrylic on canvas 48" x 58" 2018
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The Isle of Ardite.jpgThe Isle Of Ardite (Summer) acrylic on canvas 48" x 58" 2019
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The Quiet Answer.jpgThe Quiet Answer (Fall) acrylic on canvas 48" x 58" 2019