John "Jack" Thursby

My work is essentially narrative and features the human figure. The story being told includes its setting, figure position, color, and technique used. I choose to paint on large canvases, and often present the finished work as a diptych or triptych. My acrylic paintings have content that helps explain the human condition and all its many variables. The figures that I paint are people that I've met and have interesting stories to tell, whether it be his or her personal story or from the relationship with others. I often select objects to include with the figure that have powerful symbolism that influences the narrative. Although I was trained in the Abstract-Expressionist period of the 60's, I have chosen a type of contemporary realism as a style for my story-telling. Jack has won numerous awards including the prestigious Best-of-Show award at the 2010 Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival.

My work is essential narrative and features the human figure. The story being told includes its setting, figure position, color, and technique used. I choose to paint on large canvases, and often choose to present the finished work as a diptych or triptych. My acrylic paintings have content that helps explain the human condition and all its many variables. The figures that I paint are people that I’ve met and have interesting stories to tell, whether it be his or her personal story or from the relationship with others. I often select objects to include with the figure that have powerful symbolism that influences the narrative. Although I was trained in the Abstract-Expressionist period of the 60’s, I have chosen a type of contemporary realism as a style for my story-telling. Rather than rendering the images photographically, I prefer to take a painterly approach and allow the color and brushwork to shine through. I have been strongly influenced by such artists as Frans Hals, Rembrandt, Ribera, Degas, J.S. Sargeant, and Dali. Jack’s work has won numerous awards, including an Award of Distinction at the Winter Park Spring Sidewalk Art Festival 2008.