Jonathan Speed is a British landscape and seascape artist who specialises in atmospheric landscape and seascape paintings.
Whilst working for many years in investment banking, Jonathan began exhibiting his paintings and his work became increasingly sought after. In 2016, Jonathan left his career in banking to pursue his real passion as an artist.
His work is inspired by the natural environment and provides a unique interpretation of the dynamic relationship between earth, water and sky. His ability to capture the essence and drama of these elements, in particular, their reaction to light, captivates the observer.
Working in oil, he produces paintings full of atmosphere and a projection of vast open space. His work features landscapes set at dusk with the setting sun and brooding shadows of mountains; as well as energetic seascapes of cresting waves and serene, reflective waters.
Jonathan excels at capturing the moment, a skill he developed from his passion for photography. He travels as often as he can to revel in un-spoilt, open landscapes to gain inspiration for his work. Jonathan has a particular passion for depicting the English countryside, including the stunning views of the South Downs; the raw, untamed wilderness of the Scottish Highlands; and the rugged Jurassic coast of Dorset.
Jonathan has been described as ‘a tour-de-force of controlled fine application of colour, vigorous expressionistic highlights and tonal blending’. His style is of the contemporary English tradition for highly worked canvases and draws inspiration from the works of past masters, such as Turner, Whistler and Courbet, with their skillful use of light and atmospheric qualities.
Jonathan’s paintings have been widely exhibited and his work can be found in private collections around the world.