Emerging Artists | Jason Emery

Painting a story

Jason Emery, Farmyard Frenzy, oil, 20 x 20.

This story was featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art  September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

Jason Emery’s story began in Maine, but his passion brought him to Colorado. “As a child, I had this fantasy about moving to the West, and I would pin up pictures of the Grand Canyon. It was something I always wanted. I got it done, and I couldn’t be happier,” Emery says. “I love all parts of Colorado, but for me, it’s not just the fantastic landscape; I’m also interested in what people are doing in Colorado. I consider myself a scene painter. Even in my landscapes, there are other things going on.”

By adding people and animals to his compositions, Emery is not only painting a scene, he’s painting a story. And the intensity of his colors adds to the emotion of the piece. “My brushwork is dense, and it’s getting more intense, so the paintings take longer,” he says. “I’m loving how, with patience, I can convey how I’m feeling about the subject. The emotional content of the work is what’s important to me.”

Spontaneity and preparedness both play a key role in Emery’s work. He keeps painting materials in his car so he doesn’t miss an opportunity. “One has to be alert for fortuitous accidents,” the artist explains. “One time, I was driving along the Dolores River, and I saw this amazing combination of buildings and trees. I got 10 miles down the road and kept thinking about it, so I turned around and went back. I’m glad I did because the painting turned out well. Spontaneity has a lot to do with it, but spontaneity is a tricky deal. You must have the confidence to react to it.”

Emery’s paintings are brimming with personality. “Your day-to-day life goes into your paintings,” he explains. “Your personality comes out in your work, whether you like it or not.” A prime example is Emery’s SALSA DELIVERY series, depicting tiny toy trucks carrying life-size salsa ingredients, such as a ripe tomato or a jalapeño. His sense of humor shines through, and viewers can’t help but smile when their eyes meet the canvas. —Kelly Beard

representation
Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder, CO; www.jasonemeryfineart.com.

This story was featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art  September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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