I believe that only the basic elements of a beautiful painting exist in nature.  The sentiment and feeling that flow from the mind and heart of an artist are what create the highest beauty of inspirational painting.

McNaughton is an established artist from Utah whose paintings have attracted the attention of collectors from across the country.  Breathtaking landscapes, nostalgic country scenes, and highly detailed religious subjects are the focus of his paintings.  The artist’s experiences are the inspiration for his work.  “I have traveled to many places around the world to know my subjects, but when I work on a painting with many figures I will usually pose models and photograph them and then paint then as I see them in my mind.  I choose to paint from the heart and evoke my personal vision into each painting.”

McNaughton’s roots trace back to the small town of Grafton, Utah.  He feels a deep love for his pioneer heritage and says it was instrumental in developing his artistic tendencies. Jon and his wife Tammy are the parents of eight children.  “We live on a small street called Artist Avenue. It’s not because of me; I just want all my children to develop their artistic talents.  Life is beautiful when seen through the eyes of an artist.”

McNaughton’s artistic style stems from his study of the forerunners to the Impressionists.  As he studied the writings of the early Impressionists, he noticed a common reference to the French Barbizon School of painting which was popular from about 1830-1875.  The works of these artists deeply moved him.  Softly painted landscapes depicting genre scenes around the French countryside with subtle tones of color and light were a springboard for McNaughton’s creative inspiration.  A McNaughton painting has the timelessness of the masters of the past and yet speaks to the sensitivity of the modern observer.

Artist Jon McNaughton has specific goals for what he hopes to accomplish in the future.  “It is my hope that my paintings will reach the viewer on more than a superficial level; to touch something inside them which may not be easily reached.  I hope the paintings will speak to them and say something like, “ You’ve seen me before and yet you have never seen anything completely like me. ” When they walk away, I want to leave a feeling with them they will never forget because what they have seen has become a part of them.”

Testimonials

"The formula for greatness in the world of fine art is in part a divine gift, but by itself that is not enough.  I see in Jon the ability as well as the strength and determination to do exceptional paintings.  It is this determined, passionate and talented artist, Jon McNaughton, that we are proud to represent."
Dan May, co-owner of The May Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ

"We consider Jon to be one of the most distinctive scenic painters in the last decade.  His remarkable work captures the comforting essence of rural living, as well as reviving the appeal for the painting style of French Barbizon."
Sharon Swindle, owner of the Repartee Gallery Group, Provo, Utah.

 

For more information about the artist click here
For more information about painting workshops click here