Jay Constantine

Region: Midwest

Website: http://www.jayconstantineart.com/

City / State: Grand Rapids, MI

 My work examines historical and biographical subject matter. Researching history helps to anchor my work in nonfiction and often provides stories that are more interesting than fiction. There is a long tradition of narrative painting, and I would like to think that I add my own unique approach to that tradition.

My art might be characterized as a kind of history painting with an emphasis on stylized realism. I reference many visual sources such as graphic novels, storyboards for films, and narrative art in general. However, the most consistent visual device I have used has been the multiple and shaped picture plane. The multiple picture plane hints at storytelling and the shaped picture plane provides alternatives to traditional formats. In addition, structure, pattern, and repetition are often employed in my compositions as a way of unifying the many diverse components in my work.