Reward & Punishment

Take a quick moment and think about a work of art you've really enjoyed. (Got one? It can be a painting, a movie, a play, a song, or something else you can think of.)

Now that you can think of an example, there was a tremendous amount of work before it got to the version you experienced.

Indeed, every work of art you've ever enjoyed is a cumulative effort of thousands of decisions. 

Just like life.

Not a new concept, but it did inspire the idea for a new painting. Take a look:

So, if your life is made of your decisions, how do you make the ones that are in your best interest? 
Well, if you imagine there is two wolves at your side: one representing procrastination, the other representing productivity, and at all times you're feeding one... which one are you feeding?

The painting also has the 'carrot or the stick' alegory embedded into it. Are you motivated by gaining rewards or avoiding punishments? 

In my version, the wolves have been fused together because, although they might fight, only one decision will be made at a time.   

Parables and antonyms are reoccurring subject matter in my work. The painting above, titled 'Reward & Punishment' is just one of the new pieces I've been working on for The Artist Project 2017. I can't wait to show you other works available when you come to the event!

In the meantime, if you would like to check out originals that are for sale, you can see a selection here.

Stay creative,

-Jono

The Rainbow Salesman

I was thinking about all the opportunistic umbrella salesman who appear - seemingly out of nowhere - to dispense their inventory at the sight of rain. But what about the rainbows? You didn't think they got there by themselves, did you? Enter 'The Rainbow Co.' who deploy their salespeople to rain swept communities desiring post rain atmospheric aesthetics. LOOK at that smug smile, double bounce strut and go-get-em attitude! Where some people see rain drops, HE SEES dollar signs! Now get out there 'an sell!

'The Rainbow Salesman'
acrylic on wood panel
8"x10"
$ for sale

The Memory Thief - wood panel print pre-order

Back in August, I revealed a new painting I completed for Gallery Abyss' 12x12 group exhibition, that has touched the lives of many people. It's been humbling to hear from others how something I created has connected with them in such a strong emotional way. That has been a primordial goal with my art. 

That painting is called 'The Memory Thief'.

While the original painting did sell opening night in the exhibit, because I've had such a strong interest in the image, I wanted to find a way to offer it to people who truly identified with it. 

The company, prints on wood, transfers artwork, photos and imagery to wood panels. Some very in demand contemporary artists have printed with them in the past.

"Why a print on wood?"

-more durable
-no need to spend additional funds on framing
-the original is acrylic on wood panel, so you get a reproduction and product much closer to the original
-each print is transfered to a real piece of wood, so no two are exactly the same
-it's unique and different than canvas, giclee or poster prints

But it wasn't enough for me to just make the image available to you...

Due to the sensitive content in the painting, I wanted to support the cause too. That's why a portion of each order (10%) will be donated directly to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the leading not-for-profit health organization working nationwide to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected with Alzheimer's disease.

You can order your print here. The amount listed includes shipping for both US and Canadian residents.

This limited edition wood panel print is only available until September 27th. After that - reproductions of this image will NEVER be available again!

Click here to order your print.

Keep creating memories,

-Jono

Till The End - gestures

I collected all kinds of photos of individuals walking with drapery and canes as reference for a painting I'm working on ('Till The End'). I looked at all the photos and did some quick gestures to figure out where the weight and major fabric folds are. It was a also a great warm up before I started the drawing the central character in the image. Each drawing above was completed in about 30 - 60 seconds. 

Goofy painting

A-huk! It's a GOOFY painting! Another painting study I did, this time of a small Goofy sculpture observing overcast lighting conditions (indoors). Note that there are minimal highlights and no deep shadows.   

Seriously, who doesn't love Goofy? I wouldn't trust the person who says they dislike Goofy. If I was conducting a job interview and it came up they didn't like Goofy, I would dismiss them and shred their resume. And since we've established all mentally balanced people love Goofy, the next logical step is for you to add this painting to yourGoofy-loving-shrine-goodness! (Did I mention FREE shipping on the painting studies to US and Canada? A-huk!)  

Till The End - thumbnails

Some thumbnail studies of a new painting in the works called 'Till The End' drawn on my animation disc. I pretty much know the composition I want now. The next step is to scale it up and start refining it. 

The Artist Project 2017 - painting list

Continuing on with The Artist Project 2017 preparation: compiled list of major paintings I want to complete for it. Looking forward to sharing these with you!

If you would like to know more about The Artist Project, art fair in Toronto, you are an artist and would like to apply for the the 2017 event (it is a juried exhibit), there is still time. The deadline is September 15th.

Why are YOU ignoring art galleries?

Great article by The Stranger interviewing and tracing the reasoning behind lack of (most) gallery's attendance. As an artist, this is a topic I've been battling for years. You can read the article here. 

For those of you in Montreal (the city I reside in) who want to explore galleries, here is a great start compiled by Montreal Gazette.   

The Artist Project 2017 - the prep begins

I exhibited in The Artist Project in Toronto earlier this year and will be returning for the 2017 art fair showcase - which will be their 10 year anniversary! The event is 6 months away and I'm already gearing up for it. This panel is 12" wide and 48" in length. It will be a panoramic painting I've been plotting for a while. So excited to share it with you! Details to follow...

If you are an artist and would like to apply for the the 2017 event, there is still time. The 
deadline is September 15th. Details here: http://www.theartistproject.com/application-package/

If you are a patron of the arts and would like to know more about the event: http://www.theartistproject.com

video of the 12x12 opening night exhibition!

Here is a short video of the opening night from the 12x12 group exhibition! Take a look:

The first wave of works have been uploaded to the official site (there are over 100 works in the show) and more paintings keep moving!

Take a look here at the pieces listed so far. You can acquire artworks directly from the site.

The exhibit is up unil September 22nd! 

12x12, Gallery Abyss opening night photos

If you missed the opening of 12x12 this past Saturday, Gallery ABYSS has uploaded some great shots from the event on their website. You can view them here:

THE SHOW IS STILL UP! You have until September 22nd to check it out in person. fb event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1067384330002872/

Darth Maul painting study

Do I like Star Wars? Sure, as much as the next guy. You're the next guy, like Star Wars? ‪

Another painting study I did recently. This time of a Darth Maul action figure. (Among my favorite character designs and one of the coolest villains ever.) I took some photos of him standing on top of a square color changing LED alarm clock. It is the only light source. 

The Memory Thief

LAST NIGHT was Gallery Abyss' 12x12 group show! THANK YOU to everyone who attended! 

It may not be a fun question, but let me ask you quickly:

What is the most valuable thing that someone can steal from you? 

Your signifigant other? Your children? Your pet? An heirloom? Your savings? Your mobility? ...Your iPhone?

What would you do if you lost all your memories? 

This was the inspiration behind my most recent painting, The Memory Thief, which I produced for Gallery Abyss' 12x12 group show. I would like to tell you about it.

The character in the lower left corner is a memory thief and a cerebral menace.

He breaks into the subconscious of the elderly whose aging immune system can no longer combat his advances. He steals their memories and sells the information. You may notice, he doesn't actually touch the memories encased in his lock box - doing so would infect and alter them. I also theorized that the more fond the memory, the more vibrant glow it emits as seen in the trail of his exit.

Sadly, the repercussions of his larceny are devastating. His victims are ushered into a state of dementia. 

I know it is not a fun painting... and is harder to place in a room than a basket of flowers, so why would I paint such a melancholy image to begin with? 

Well, the goal with my art has always been to connect with others in an honest manner. To create and present you with things I'm not invested in is disingenuous and unworthy of your attention. 

As I now watch some people in my life I care about very much undergo memory loss, it's made me search for reasoning. When none can be found, alternative narrations are sought (like the one theorized above).

I guess in some way I am hoping you will find something relateable. Maybe found in one of your own memories. Hang on to them.  

As an artist, you always hope that your work will resonate with people. But you really don't know unless someone goes out of their way to inform you. I received the E-mail below in response to the latest newsletter I sent out prior to the 12x12 opening last night. The facebook message was sent to me by a friend after I released the image online. (Some of the information has been withheld to retain their privacy.)

The painting is no longer available - it SOLD opening night. You can find more info about the exhibit and see some of the works available here.

-Jono

Sketchbook drawing - Viggo Mortensen

Many people are often surprised when they look through my sketchbook. It's actually filled with life drawing, anatomy studies and studies of people from photos - there's not a lot of cartoons in it. I like picking up the free mag from the movie theater (Cineplex, here in Canada) and drawing from it. It's often filled with multiple photos of the same actors/actresses to draw studies from.

Drawing is of actor Viggo Mortensen from the movie 'Captian Fantastic'. Ink and marker on kraft paper. ‪

The Memory Thief - preview

ll done a new painting called 'The Memory Thief'. The‬ painting is for the 12x12 group show coming up at Gallery ABYSS opening August 6th (next Saturday). Hope you can make it!

Click here for the facebook event info.

12x12 - tonal

First peek at 'The Memory Thief' - a new painting I'm creating for the 12x12 group show at Galerie Abyss opening August 6! 

fb event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1067384330002872/

Dinosaur toy painting study

Here's a small painting study I did recently of a T-Rex toy I had painted from life. My goal since the Spring has been to do more of these studies. I've been using a Golden Artist Colors OPEN acrylics starter kit to do these small studies. I'm really loving the blending abilities without compromising the fast drying time. ‪

eyes of the artist - The first painting HAS BEEN REVEALED!

So cool! The first 'eyes of the artist' HAS BEEN REVEALED!!

The story:

This past weekend at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit, I launched a new series of paintings called 'eyes of the artist'. 4 paintings in the series total, each one named after one of the seasons (winter, spring, summer & fall). Each painting has NEVER been seen by anyone prior to sale other than myself. The collector opens the painting knowing they are receiving an exclusive look at something not previously shared with the world. (Or, they could choose to store the painting and never share it with the world - they get to choose the outcome.) I offer art enthusiasts a rebate if they choose to film their reactions when they open the painting. AND, if that's not enough - I also include an additional surprise included with each painting too... 

You can watch the reaction of the painting "Fall" (the true title of the painting is 'Tongue Twister') above. (the big reveal occurs at 2:05)

Here is an image of what the painting looks like:

'Tongue Twister'

acrylic on wood panel

5"x7"

The paintings were hit at TOAE and I ONLY HAVE ONE LEFT. If you want to join the party, you can claim it here.

THANK YOU, Toronto!

Wow - hard to believe the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is finished already! THANK YOU to everyone who bought artwork, stopped by my booth to say hello and expressed their enthusiasm in my work! THANK YOU to the entire staff at TOAE and the many volunteers who repeatedly offered their help. Thank you to Higgins rentals for the tents.

If there is work you spotted that would be a great fit for your space, and you would like to discuss it with me further, feel free to send me an E-mail ( jono [at]jonodoiron.com ) ‪

Toronto: I'll be back!

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit - LAST DAY!

Dear Toronto,

Today is the LAST DAY of the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit! I am heading back to Montreal tomorrow, so if you've been eyeballing anything in my booth (#119) and want to avoid shipping, I will be serving you today from 10:00-6:00. I look forward to talking with you!

Syn Studio - Gathering of the Masters 2016

MAJOR THANKS to Syn Studio for putting on for putting on such an informative event: 'The Gathering of the Masters 2016', a 3 day masterclass workshop I was fortunate to attend! The highlight for me was getting to meet and draw with artist, James Gurney. His book 'Color & Light' is a supreme resource I recommended to realist painters repeatedly: http://jamesgurney.com/…/color-and-light-a-guide-for-the-re…

Syn Studio is the leading concept art school in Montreal. You can find out more about the courses and workshops they offer here: http://synstudio.ca ‪

Toronto Outdoor Art Event begins next week!

NEXT WEEK: July 8-10 begins the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition! I will see you soon, Toronto! You can find me at booth #119 in green on the map above. 

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit - resources for collectors and art enthusiasts

Did you know? The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition has some resources in place to assist collectors and art enthusiasts during the exhibit including tours and talks. You can see a listing of what is offered this year here. 

Daily Painting

I've been very inspired by this book 'Daily Painting' (http://carolmarine.blogspot.ca/p/my-books.html) to wake up and do some painting studies. I would like to do more of them. Great way to observe light and color without having to commit to a large piece. This was painted from a small Bart Simpson toy maquette I had. Painted from life with acrylic. Light source is sunlight.

Why Titling Your Artwork Is Important

Some valid points from Aunia Kahn, Gallery director of Alexi Era Gallery, on why it does not benefit your work by calling it 'untitled'. To add: get feedback if you can't come up with anything on your own. Ask your friends, family and fans for title suggestions. In my opinion, the work is not finished unless you've come up with a title. 'Untitled' is lazy and unimaginative.

Listen to what she has to say on the subject here. 

First of the secretive paintings

Finished up the first (of four) of the secretive ‪‎paintings‬ yesterday for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition coming up July 8-10. Here is the ‪palette‬. I thought it would be a fun change to just 'free mix' all the colors, as opposed to making color strings like I normally do for my larger pieces.

"secretive" paintings

I have 4 "secretive" paintings in the works for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition coming up July 8-10. Here they are gessoed and primed. More details soon...

using a sandpaper pencil sharpener

I've had a sand paper pencil sharpener taped to the top right corner of my drawing table for many years now. They can greatly extend the life out of your pencils and nearly all art stores carry them. When a layer gets full, you can just remove it and there is a clean layer underneath. They do produce lots of dust though. I figured out over time, if you put a bag over the sharpener, it will keep your area clean.

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit: ONE MONTH AWAY!

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is now ONE MONTH AWAY! (Ah, the pressure is on!) Hope you can make it! You can find me at Booth #119 (high lighted green on the map below.)

*Photo above from 2014 by my friend and artist, Denise Busiman Pilger. She will also be exhibiting in TOAE this year. You can check out her work here.

Nightmare Sauce

My latest painting 'Nightmare Sauce'. It will be available at the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition next month July 8-10! You coming? 'Nightmare Sauce'
acrylic on wood panel
12"x12"

new painitng for TOAE - progress

Some progress on a new ‪‎painting‬ I'm working on for the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition coming up soon -July 8-10 (just over a month away)!

Drawing for new painting for TOAE

Here is the rough ‪drawing‬ to a new ‪#‎painting‬ I'm working on for the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition coming up July 8-10. I haven't decided on a title for the painting yet, I'm open to suggestions if you have any. (The painting is about seeing shapes in spilled ink.)

New website!

I did a BIG - and very necessary - revamp of my website recently. I would love to know what you think. You can check it out here: http://www.jonodoiron.com/

Thanks!

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition - Artist Directory

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition has now released the list of all the artists involved this year on their website. You can see who else is exhibiting here. (You can find me in booth #119 at the event.) 

Confection - all done!

Here is the final painting called 'Confection'. It is one of the new pieces I created for the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Fair.

 

Easter passed not too long ago and while some people think of colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, or a revived holy figure, the primary connotation in my mind is always Easter Island (Rapa Nui). It is a mysterious place and among the list of places I would love to visit before I die. I think what attracts me there is Easter Island is an environmental parable on a small scale. While the island's statues are heavily admired today, it's counterbalanced by its sordid past. An obsession was built upon making large statues, called Moai (the exact number still unknown - somewhere between 900-1000 - and the exact reason still unknown) which removed natural resources from the island at a rate exceeding it's replenishment.  I also wonder what it would feel like to exist on one of the most remote places on the planet - over 2000 miles to the next nearest landmass.  The original descendants of Rap Nui continued production on the Moai uninterrupted for 1000 years prior to contact from the modern world (the island was 'discovered' by Europeans in 1722, on Easter day - hence, the name).

The word confection means:

-a sweet preparation of fruit or the like, as a preserve or candy. 

-the process of compounding, preparing, or making something.

-something, as a garment or decorative object, that is very delicate, elaborate, or luxurious and usually nonutilitarian

When I was a child, I saw the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Or, saw some of the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. To this day, I've never seen the full movie. The movie is decidedly dark. What I did see when I was a child terrified me - children being sucked into machinery and being physically deformed. How could the production of candy be so perilous? 

In the painting Confection, an Oompa Loompa islander looks onward to what has been the fruit of his labor, creating large chocolate Easter bunny statues. Perhaps to worship some lagomorphic deity. 

                                                               (Did you spot the UFO?)