From The Liriodendron Gallery:
The Liriodendron Gallery is pleased to announce an art exhibit by Jonathan West entitled, “Heavenly Waters.” This exhibit will be on display from Sunday, October 4th through November 1st, 2015 in the Liriodendron Gallery. A reception with the artist will be open to the public on Sunday, October 4th from 1:00-4:30 p.m. Gallery hours are on Sundays from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Bel Air artist, Jonathan West, has had close ties with Liriodendron throughout his life. Jonathan shared, “My father built a house on the end of West Gordon Street at the entrance to the Liriodendron mansion in 1961. He chose the perfect spot.” As a child Jonathan spent time playing in the fields, exploring the woods and stream behind the mansion and hiking the MA & PA Trail. During Jonathan’s childhood the Liriodendron was the focus of childhood fun, including the neighborhood kids preparing the swimming pool for summer. It was an in- ground, spring fed pool, the coldest in the county. Childhood memories for Jonathan at the Liriodendron are filled with sledding, fishing and learning to play tennis on the old clay courts.
Jonathan West graduated from Bel Air High School in 1976. His art teacher, Kurt Bittle, encouraged him to attend the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he graduated with his BFA in painting in 1980. Jonathan worked as a chef at Georgetown North before moving to New York City to further pursue his art career. One of his accomplishments includes a one man exhibit in SOHO, NYC. Mr. West returned to Bel Air with his wife to raise a family.
“My painting style changes as my life changes. The death of a childhood friend changed my focus on “It’s Time to Run like Hell” series to “Paintings of Heaven”, which I continue to explore today” West added. He painted the ten foot mural landscape of “Heavenly Waters” stream from childhood memories. Regarding his current work, Jonathan says “Having lived most of my life in proximity to Liriodendron, these paintings reflect the serenity and spirituality that Heavenly Waters has always brought to my life.” Fruit and flower still-life paintings will also be included in Jonathan’s show.
Jonathan has painted several images, en plein air, of places special to him on the Liriodendron grounds. “My paintings of the mansion and grounds capture my childhood memories and feelings of love for this piece of land I always call home,”shared Jonathan.
The Liriodendron Foundation Gallery is located at 502 W. Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD 21014. For additional information please call: 410-879-4424 or visit the website www.liriodendron.com.
I’ve know Jon for over 35 years. A very talented man. Please stop by and see his work.