Darren Jones

Darren Jones is a Chicago based artist who captures natural beauty in his paintings which awaken emotion and a sense of humanity. Born in Canada, he is a self-taught artist who enjoys working in acrylic, oil and mixed mediums on canvas or wood panels. “The world and its never-ending natural surroundings inspire my soul, my thinking and my work.” Water, flora, fauna and dramatic landscapes heavily influence his work. Growing up, fond memories of his mother’s gardens and how she tended to them so gently have been the inspiration for many of his paintings over the years. As an avid traveler, Jones is often moved by novel settings. “Many of the world’s natural wonders act as a muse.” All of these elements help him create paintings that are impressionistic , abstract and contemporary in style. With his current “Muskoka Series” collection shown here, he tries to evoke a sense of peace, place and calm within one’s soul. Moving from the simple to the complex while maintaining a sense of order. The use of an emotive color palette combined with acrylics, beach sand, industrial staples, plaster, wood and recycled fibers create a profound message along with their interplay of light which focus on the dynamic shapes of the natural world. Using just his hands, multiple layers are applied to create a sense of depth to the work. Jones is a supporter of a variety of organizations and charitable events. He helps raise funds through his art for groups that support children, treat mental illness and AIDS/HIV. His work is featured in galleries and private collections in 50 countries across North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.