“I want to capture the essence of a subject more than the specifics. If the work is loose and a bit undone, there is more room for the viewer to interpret, to access the painting through their own imaginings.” - Jerry Markham

For Jerry Markham, painting is not so much about the subject as what draws and inspires him to paint each piece and how it is expressed. With a variety of subject matter including landscapes, figures, still life, and urban scenes, Jerry enjoys painting anything that captures his interest.

Always the consummate student, he continually strives to evolve and grow as a painter, often tackling subject matter that challenges him, whether by pushing the composition, altering light or color, or experimenting with how the paint is applied. “I like to start out quite loose and somewhat abstract, allowing the picture to evolve in front of me. Trying not to get too bossy with the paint; allowing it room to move while pulling out the form of the whole. I feel this helps keeps the painting from getting too tight or content-driven. I have found paintings like this more interesting to view, so I try to paint that way. It is a challenge to keep it loose, yet keep the drawing accurate without getting too tight with the process, but I am learning. It is the struggle to balance form and content.”