Jonathan Oakes spent his formative years in Sheffield, U.K., and would spend much of his leisure time walking in the Peak District, filling up on the rugged landscapes. A contrast to the dark, industrial environments he frequented daily as a welder.

He completed a B.A. (hons) degree in Visual Art and Professional Media in the late nineties, and followed this a few years later with a Post Graduate Certificate in Electronic Media. After leaving university Jonathan continued to exhibit his artwork in galleries across the country. He has also worked as a freelance Graphic Designer as well as an Audio/ Visual Technician. Painting was replaced by sound editing for a number of years; he absorbed himself in producing original digital music and sound tracks. Creating in sound what he now creates in his paintings. In 2022 he decided to re-start his artistic career. He states that “In the last few years I have been trying to make up for lost time, my bottled up creativity is now able to be released”. Jonathan lives with his wife and two children in Tewkesbury, U.K.

Jonathan Oakes is an experienced artist who is passionate about the natural world, the majority of his artwork is deeply influenced by environmental concerns. His art is abstract by definition and is filled with potency and meaning. He utilises layers and mark making to add depth and narrative. In general his artworks are created using a variety of media on paper, canvas or large abandoned photographs. Within his art he hopes to create a starting point for the viewer’s imagination.