We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jonathan McAfee. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jonathan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
So I just opened a new art gallery in Kittredge, CO and so currently my schedule is much different than it was before. Now I am getting to the studio by 9am to work for a couple of hours before I open the gallery to the public. During those first two hours I will work on a painting that I need some alone time with. This could be to think things through or strategize next steps. The rest of the day I am still working in my studio located in the back of the gallery but I am available for any guests that walk in and want to look at the art. The gallery is brand new and we are currently in our soft opening phase with our grand opening taking place on October 24 from 4-8pm and on October 25 from 2-8pm. It’s called Western Exposure Fine Art and is in the heart of Kittredge.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jonathan McAfee and I have lived in Colorado for over 10 years. Originally from Indianapolis, I am a painter who specializes in expressive portraiture and colorful figurative work. I primarily use oil paint along with acrylic for my underpainting and pastel and spray paint along the way. I am fascinated with people and the life we are all give to live and my paintings seek to capture moments in life through a visually stimulating way. Currently I am working on a large painting of a winter landscape with a skier going through the trees. It is created in a dream-like style with the hopes of stirring up one’s imagination and while offering a sense of nostalgia.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
That’s easy, my wife has helped shape me into the person that I am today. She is my best friend and confidant and business partner with the gallery. I run ideas by her and seek out her advice daily. She always has a way of helping me see things more clearly and is a great listener. When we first met I told her all of my darkest secrets and history of substance abuse and she always accepted me and loved me for who I am.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Back in 2019 I traveled to LA for an art festival that I was invited to participate in. I didn’t have experience doing art festivals but this one seemed like the right opportunity. I had spent tons of time creating new work for this but my wife and I were at a point, financially, when it was a pretty big expense to go out there. The entire festival was a disaster for me. I didn’t sell one painting and nothing ever came out of it. It was grueling to be there that entire weekend knowing that I was a huge failure and most of all, I barely got to explore and see Los Angeles since I was stuck inside at my booth each day. I left that fair feeling deflated and wanting to give up.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Pretty much. Although I am only 100% fully myself around my wife. She sees me warts and all and loves me for it so I feel lucky. I believe that whenever you put yourself out in the public to be seen and scrutinized, you are going to put a different foot forward than who you are behind closed doors. This doesn’t mean I am not being authentic, it just means that everyone doesn’t need to always know everything about the person. Leaving a bit of a mystery is totally fine.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I fully believe that I am doing what I was born to do as opposed to what I was told to do. I grew up fortunate because my parents never really steered me into what they felt I should do. I was given total freedom to choose my own path and to explore anything that interested me. I didn’t come from a family of artists but I was encouraged to read anything and listen to whatever music I wanted to and with that I feel that I explored many walks of life without being guided in any sort of direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westernexposurefineart.com
- Instagram: @westernexposurefineart
