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Jonathan
Barnes
Inventions

Behind a door is all magic of life, and the your key to unlock it is the Audacity to call yourself and Artist.

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Roots in the Wild

About me

After experiencing a series of traumatic events, I turned to art as a way to cope with anxiety and stress. Beyond its therapeutic qualities, creating art opened a window into parts of myself that had previously remained hidden from view. As a self-taught artist, I have learned through experimentation and curiosity. The freedom to follow my instincts wherever they lead has helped me develop my artistic voice.

This page is dedicated to sharing my artistic work and connecting with communities beyond my immediate reach. It also serves a greater purpose: to spark curiosity and inspire others to explore their own creativity. My art is for everyone, but especially for those who believe artistic expression is beyond their reach—that creativity is an unattainable skill or too difficult to pursue. I hope my work encourages you to see art not as something reserved for a select few, but as something anyone can explore, enjoy, and create.

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Portfolio

Paintings

Bright colors and semi-psychedelic backdrops are central to my work. My art is often eye-catching and captures the charm of the wildlife, architecture, and everyday surroundings of the greater San Antonio area. I strive to make dramatic and often whimsical artistic choices without leaning too heavily toward classical art or ultra-realism. A hallmark of my work is my fascination with frames and the ways they can change, enhance, or complete a finished work. I often search markets, estate sales, and secondhand shops for unusual frames, using what I find as the starting point and inspiration for a new piece.

Portfolio

Photography 

I love shooting on film, although I never allow the medium to stand between me and a great photograph. Whenever possible, I am drawn to the unforgiving and mysterious nature of mechanical cameras, which can render color in unexpected ways and create blur that feels beautifully imperfect. Many of my photographs later become the foundation for my paintings, creating a unique connection between my photographic work and my traditional art.

Where to Find Me

I most commonly share my work at Boerne Market Days, held on the second weekend of each month in the beautiful town square of Boerne, Texas. My art has also been featured in local restaurants and at events hosted by the Hill Country Council for the Arts.

Just Barn Cats

These little creatures are magical, moving freely between the comfort of the human world and the unforgiving realm of wild animals. At times, they seem completely woven into our lives—calling out for food, nuzzling against our legs, and seeking affection like domesticated pets. Then, in the blink of an eye, they disappear entirely, only to return when they choose to be seen again. This calendar represents eight months of work spent capturing these magical and elusive creatures on film.

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The photographs were taken using a variety of cameras, with the Yashica-Mat 124G serving as the backbone of the project. I also used several 35mm cameras, allowing each camera and film format to bring its own character to the images.

Purchase the Calendar

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