About Contemporary Figurative Artist J. L. Colton
Artist Statement
There’s nothing like a good oil painting—the presence it commands, the way it anchors a room, even its scent as it settles into the canvas. When a painting carries deeper meaning or evokes a feeling of nostalgia, it becomes more than art—it becomes memory, emotion, and presence all at once.
Since I was a boy, I’ve found peace and purpose in the creative process. There’s a quiet magic in those final brushstrokes, when the image comes together and—for a moment—life feels understood. Painting is where I make sense of the world, where I slow down and reflect on the better moments: wonder, beauty, inspiration, meaning, and memory. Sometimes I paint what I’ve experienced; other times, I paint what I long for.
My style is fluid, shaped by the composition itself. I draw on many of the great movements—realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, expressionism, abstraction, and symbolism—letting the mood and message lead the way. I’m especially drawn to texture, to paint that feels alive on the surface. Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet have deeply influenced me—not just in technique, but in their ability to convey emotion, movement, and atmosphere.
Art moves me. To be a part of that movement—to create something that stirs feeling in someone else—is what gives my life depth and direction. It’s what keeps me sailing, always toward the horizon of the next creative endeavor.
About the Artist
I’m a contemporary figurative artist with over 20 years of experience creating and selling original fine art. My journey began with a deep curiosity about people—how they move, how they relate, and how fleeting moments can hold entire stories. Over time, painting became more than a practice; it became my way of witnessing life and expressing meaning that words can’t quite reach.
I work primarily in oil because of its richness, depth, and flexibility. As a contemporary figurative artist my paintings explore a range of styles—realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, expressionism, abstract, and symbolism—all depending on what the subject calls for. My greatest joy is capturing candid, unposed moments of people doing everyday things: laughing, working, resting, connecting. I believe there’s beauty and truth in the unscripted.
When I’m not creating personal work, I paint commissions from photos—portraits, landscapes, meaningful places, symbolic scenes. I love collaborating with clients to bring their stories to life on canvas. Whether it’s a moment of awakening, a tribute to a loved one, or a quiet moment someone never wants to forget, I approach each commission with care and attention. Most paintings take about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on scope, and I always keep clients updated throughout the process.
Over the years, I’ve worked with private collectors, families, small businesses, and charitable organizations. My paintings have found homes across a wide range of spaces—from cozy living rooms to professional offices. I’ve even donated artwork to support causes I care about. Art is, to me, a form of connection—and it’s an honor to create something meaningful for someone else.
If my work speaks to you, I’d love to talk. Whether you’re interested in an original piece, a custom commission, or just want to learn more, I welcome the conversation.
[Get in touch] and let’s create something lasting.
In the Studio
Find me here
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