Jon Jones

Perplexing, humorous and melancholy, Jon's work is created from the heart. With a background in fine art, sculpture and ceramics, he cites Rembrandt amongst his influences and enjoys discovering the techniques behind a painting.

Jon says: “I don’t like to scrutinise and dissect Rembrandt’s work too much as it takes away that magic, much the same as when a magician explains his tricks. I still get butterflies going to see an exhibition of his work – he makes me want to paint! I like artists who use thick impasto paint, like Lucian Freud, Leon Kossoff and Frank Auerbach. In my mind, this is how oil painting should be: seeing the brushstrokes and understanding how a painting is constructed.”

Growing up in Kings Heath, Birmingham, he was drawn to the darker side of history and shunned playing football with this friends in favour of exploring the local Hare and Hounds pub, where the landlord regaled tales of hangings and said the cellar was used as a mortuary. As an adult, he went on to hold exhibitions based on prostitution in 18th century London and the history and meanings behind nursery rhymes.

He has worked extensively with the West Midlands Police Museum to explore the criminal underworld of 19th century Birmingham. His haunting paintings delve into the history of the infamous Peaky Blinders gang, made famous by the successful BBC series of the same name. Through contributions from the sale of these artworks, we have been able to contribute to Birmingham Children's Hospital's 'Out To Play' appeal. 

Since March 2022, Jon's art has taken over Hill Street outside New Street Station in Birmingham for a 50-metre mural to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital. Featuring many of the main characters of the award-winning TV show – including Thomas Shelby, Alfie Solomons and Polly Gray – the large-scale installation has already wowed the creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, who described it as "vivid and brilliant". Castle Fine Art will donate £1 for every image of the wall that @castlegalleries is tagged in on social media with the hashtag #Brum4BCH. 

Jon says: “When I paint, I want to think 'Wow, I did this...how did I do it?' Amazing myself is my ultimate goal. There is a quote I like from Salvador Dalí, who said: “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” I’m always looking to improve my painting."

Shop Jon's latest limited edition and original artworks here.