Introducing Ross Jones
I was born in 1966 and raised in Otaki, a small town of about 5,000 people located 70 km north of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. The first 18 years of my life were spent in this quaint town, where I witnessed significant changes in the world and a dramatic acceleration in the pace of life. Yet, Otaki remained a constant, as if time had stood still—a place I hold dear to my heart.
Like many small towns, Otaki is a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, making for a truly idyllic life. When I left for my studies in art and design, it marked a significant shift from country living to bustling city life. Despite my excitement for this new chapter, I cherished the memories of the people and places I had left behind. These memories continue to influence the pace and essence of my paintings.
After graduating from the Wellington School of Design in the early 1990s, I spent the next 15 years working on commissioned paintings for various companies and private individuals around the world, including Bank of America, Penguin Books NY, The Wall Street Journal, and Time Inc.
Today, I am a full-time painter, dedicated to capturing my interpretation of everyday life. My paintings, reflecting my passion and commitment, are now part of private collections in England, Ireland, North America, Australia, and my beloved New Zealand.
“How far the journey takes you
is entirely up to you.”
I spent many years experimenting with different media and techniques before arriving at a style that aligns with my ideas, composition, and colour palette. My paintings focus on storytelling, blending seemingly perfect places and events. However, like all good stories, not everything is as it seems. Shadows add just enough intrigue to tip the balance between a serene and a sinister scene. The result is a composition that provides just enough information to engage the viewer. From there, it’s up to the viewer to fill in the gaps and create their own narrative. I love the phrase, “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.” So, as you view my paintings, allow your imagination to explore the bigger picture. How far your journey takes you is entirely up to you. Every person has a slightly different interpretation of what’s happening in the artwork. Sometimes the story is simpler than we think; other times, a simple scene may hide a complex situation.
Join me on my journey, which began in 2009, as I strive to complete 100 paintings—a 20-year project that is nearing completion.