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"Keep the old, but make it new" by S. Omon, Art Now

 

Jon McLaughlin is an astute painter with a keen eye for detail and a flair for doing things "right"- which most often translates into "the hard way." Always the thorough historian, Jon researches his subject completely before touching brush to canvas, and through such turmoil, has found a knack for using ancient techniques with a modern twist. "I guess my grandpa was responsible for that," Jon explains. "He was a worker in his heyday, and he always collected old stuff. He'd work on it, tinker with it, paint it, and then he'd come up with something totally cool and original. He's a real problem solver." The influence is most evident in Jon's newest work in which the artist seeks to conjure sonic images from the influence of popular rock albums. The color choices are stunning and eye-catching, but also restrained and coordinated. "I really love painting figures, I'm a figure painter, but I also like to say something with my work. Convey a message." Classical figure painting gorgeously orchestrated in oils, and a wild, hip, and sometimes outrageous and contemporary setting. The mood is slightly surreal and at times you feel like you've almost jumped right into the artist's mind. Certain subjects come into focus- jumping out of the grey matter and into your lap. Jon is also a fine craftsman, and he is quick to point out that everything is handcrafted. "I think we've come to a point in our day and age where everything is automated. Everything used to be made by hand in the not-so-distant past. When I work on my '53 Chevy, I just can't help but think of all people putting that thing together piece by piece. There's an attention to detail that you just don't get these days." All of Jon's work is made by him, with loving hands and detail-oriented spirit. The artist likes to paint the entire surface also, leaving no white space uncovered. "I like to think of it as, you're paying for the whole piece, so why not paint the whole piece- it's like a 3-D piece. That way, you don't even need to frame it, just throw it on the wall, and enjoy!" Enjoy indeed. Jon's pieces can be found on his website at www.jonmclaughlin.com and custom orders or strange requests are always welcome.