ARTIST STATEMENT

The paintings are careful arrangements of my rural Wyoming County surroundings. From observation, I attempt to construct narrative compositions that directly reflect my intimate connection with the land. The aesthetic choices revolve around finding beauty in an imperfect setting, and uncovering the rich subtleties that often go unnoticed within.

BIOGRAPHY

b. 1982, Buffalo, New York.

Raised on an old farm in rural East Arcade, New York, Daly was immersed in a creative environment since the start. As the son of two painters and the identical twin of a graphic designer, he never considered another path.

In 2004 Daly graduated from Syracuse University, where he was inspired to pursue his passion by the narrative painter, Jerome Witkin. After a brief studio practice in Portland, Oregon, he attended the MFA painting program at Boston University, led by renowned English painter John Walker.

Upon graduation Daly returned to the wild lands of Western New York State to reacquaint himself with the landscape that had shaped him. Over the years, the influence of his father Thomas’ paintings, along with the still-life work of Bruce Kurland, have helped influence his direction as an artist.

Currently Jonathan lives with his wife and two sons at a small creek side cabin outside of Bliss, New York. His painting studio resides in the adjacent valley, inhabiting part of an old dairy barn.

EDUCATION

2008 MFA, Boston University, Boston, MA
2004 BFA, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY