About the Artist
About Me
Painter, dreamer,outdoors lover
I came to painting full time late — in my mid-fourties, after 30 years of dedicated public service work as a firefighter/paramedic, I finally had the time to create artwork for myself, free from the destractions of a rewarding, but sometimes emotionally heavy, career.
My work is rooted in emotion and I paint from life experiences whenever I can. Through figurative realism -blended with a touch of surrealism- I'm drawn to the story behind each: building mood, offering metaphorical hints, and developing the character of my subjects.
As a self taught artist, I work primarily in oils, using fine details and thin glazed layers. This layered approach helps me achieve the warm, rich tones and depth Im always striving to capture. You can see my work in galleries, magazines and publications, private collections and at local and national fine art festivals.
Process
Most paintings begin with a toned ground — usually raw umber — and build from dark to light. I work slowly, letting layers dry before adding the next. A small piece might take two weeks. A larger canvas, two- three months.
I'll lightly sketch on the canvas and then drawn with paint from that point, which means the early stages look chaotic. I've learned to trust as I go, however, the theme may only develope as the painting is being created.
Influences
Sandro Botticelli (Itilian) 1445-1510
a master of the figure and an early inspiration
Andrew Wyeth (American) 1917-2009
my first love of egg tempera painting, a true american treasure
Brad Kunkle (American) 1978-
delicate, beautiful, no fuss art, everything deserved
Martha Shealey 1947-2011
my mother, inspired me, supported me and her squirrel drawings the best
publications
“Artit- 100 artists - bringing figures to life 2023 issue 16”
“American Art Collector magazine- Issue 230 December 2024- Collector focus- figurative art”
“Pod cast: Jeff Lung Show episode 9 -instagram@jefflungart”
Available Works
Browse the current collection or reach out to discuss a commission.