Joseph Jones

Primarily working with oil paints, Joseph’s work ranges from realistic to highly stylised. Blending traditional techniques with modern influences, his artwork goes beyond likeness and captures the essence of his subject in a way that feels intimate and alive. Sourcing reference images that he finds intriguing, he takes inspiration from Walter Sickert and Edgar Degas, sketching them using a grid technique. Before adding paint, Joseph considers his colour palette in terms of the intensity of the emotions he wants to convey. He then adds paint in layers, carefully creating depth and detail.

Starting each painting with a loose and freestyle allows Joseph to focus on the proportions and composition of the piece. He mixes the first layers of paint with a generous amount of thinner applying them with broad brushstrokes to create fluid, gestural foundations. Not wanting to conceal the expression of the drip marks and broad strokes in these foundation layers, Joseph allows the drip lines and bold strokes to remain visible, adding to the painterly quality of his work. With each subsequent layer, he sculpts the features of his subject, carefully building highlight and shadow to create a striking three-dimensional effect. These elements, combined with his raw and expressive technique, define his powerful and evocative portraits.

Featured Art: 'X-Ray 2025 | Framed Set'. Hand-signed Laminated Giclée on Paper limited edition set by Joseph Jones.