Statement

I create paintings that capture curated moments in time—instances that leave a lasting impact on me and deserve to be made permanent. The ever-changing nature of life is undeniable, but in my world, these moments become fixed. Oil paint helps me realize them: it forces me to balance experimentation with precision, as every brushstroke carries risk and possibility.

I find inspiration in the Impressionists, whose boldness and sensitivity resonate with me. Like them, I believe not everything is as it seems. My work seeks to reimagine daily life through a contemporary impressionistic lens, drawing attention to subtleties rather than sharp outlines. These details—often overlooked—hold unique meaning depending on who experiences them.

Just as no two people live life the same way, no two viewers encounter my paintings in the same way. My art is not about final answers but about the individuality of perception, and the beauty that comes from fleeting, uncertain, yet deeply felt moments.

Bio

Jon Hawks is a multidisciplinary artist based in Fairplay, Colorado, whose work captures life’s fleeting moments in time. 

Working primarily in oil paints and pastels and occasionally in photography, he explores objects, society, and the natural world through a contemporary impressionistic lens. A lifelong creative, Jon studied studio art at the University of Arkansas, and his work is included in private collections across the United States.