Native southerner Jonathan Simon is a realist painter and art educator who recently relocated to Orlando. He holds a B.F.A in Illustration from Memphis College of Art and a M.F.A. in Painting from the New York Academy of Figurative Art. He has studied with a variety of talented artists in both accredited programs and private apprenticeships, including Tony Ryder, author of The Artist's Complete Guide to Figure Drawing, Jacob Collins and Michael Grimaldi of Water Street Atelier / The Grand Central Academy of Art, and Frank Porcu at the Art Students League of New York.

Primarily using oil on linen canvas, Jonathan focuses on light, depth and color to create paintings that are real and vibrant. His work includes still lifes and portraits, however, his passion is for the figure. His extensive anatomical knowledge and exceptional drawing skills translate to his paintings, which he creates with a combination of compositional, textural and abstract processes ranging from those of the old masters to more contemporary techniques.

Jonathan prefers to work from life, as opposed to photographs or abstract concepts. "Using live models and setups affords me the opportunity to study, interact, and change course in real time" , he says. "I enjoy this careful examination of my subjects, as much for the artistic process itself as for the end result."

A studio artist for more than 15 years, Jonathan is also an experienced art educator who has held full-time faculty positions teaching intermediate-to advanced-level drawing, figure drawing, painting and illustration classes at colleges such as the New Hampshire Institute of Art. He believes in sound, proven methods, materials and approaches and offers both private and group instruction on everything from basic drawing skills to more advanced concepts.

Download Jonathan Simon's Resume (PDF)