ARTIST

RYAN JONES

Mill Valley | CA

 
 
 
 

Ryan Jones blends his deep admiration for the old masters with an innovative take on contemporary practices. His work challenges and elevates the realist tradition, offering fresh, introspective explorations of the world around him.

 
 
 

AVAILABLE WORKS

 
 
 
 

BIOGRAPHY

Ryan Jones is an American artist whose work bridges classical techniques with contemporary realism, creating paintings that resonate with both tradition and modernity.  Born in Alameda, California, his artistic path was shaped by early training at the California College of the Arts, followed by mentorship from acclaimed artist Enrique Chagoya at Stanford University, where Jones earned degrees in both Art and Engineering. His unique perspective was honed through years working for George Lucas, contributing to iconic Hollywood films and refining his cinematic approach to painting. This experience led him to Singapore, where he lived and worked for several years before returning to his creative base in Mill Valley, California. 

Jones is largely self-taught, blending his deep admiration for the old masters with an innovative take on contemporary practices. His work challenges and elevates the realist tradition, offering fresh, introspective explorations of the world around him. Exhibited in leading galleries, museums and art fairs, his paintings have found their place in prestigious private collections across the globe.

Ryan Jones’ latest body of work masterfully reimagines the essence of pop culture icons through his distinctive use of divided canvases, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Drawing from his background in cinematic matte painting, Jones fragments and juxtaposes imagery—ranging from classic cars and vintage watches to legendary film figures—into cohesive narratives that invite viewers to explore the cultural significance of these symbols. His paintings not only celebrate the allure of bygone eras but also prompt reflection on how these icons have shaped contemporary identity and desire.  In an age dominated by rapid digital consumption, Jones' work offers a contemplative pause, encouraging audiences to consider the enduring impact of visual media on our collective consciousness. By bridging the gap between nostalgia and the now, his art explores the relevance of historical imagery in today's social media landscape.

 

EXHIBITIONS

EDUCATION

  • Stanford University, CA 2003

 

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

  • 2023 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - Fleur Noir - St. Helena, Montecito, CA

  • 2022 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - San Francisco, CA

  • 2022 Imago Galleries - Palm Desert, CA

  • 2022 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - Fragments - St. Helena, San Francisco, CA

  • 2021 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - San Francisco, St. Helena, Montecito, CA

  • 2020 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - Looking Forward To The Past - San Francisco, CA

  • 2019 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - San Francisco, CA

    • Skidmore Contemporary - Santa Monica, CA

  • 2018 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - Scattered Postcards - San Francisco, CA

    • Skidmore Contemporary - Santa Monica, CA

  • 2017 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - St. Helena, CA

  • 2016 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - Slivers of Reality - San Francisco, CA

    • Caldwell Snyder Gallery - St. Helena, CA

  • 2015 Caldwell Snyder Gallery - St. Helena, CA

  • 2014 Campton Gallery - Tunnel Vision - New York, NY

 

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

  • 2023 The San Francisco Fall Show - San Francisco, CA

  • 2023 Art Market San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

  • 2022 Art Market San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

  • 2022 Imago Galleries - Palm Desert, CA

  • 2021 LA Art Show - Los Angeles, CA

  • 2020 De Young Art Museum - De Young Open - San Francisco, CA

    Hamptons Art Fair - Southampton, NY

    • Laura Rathe Fine Art - Dallas, TX

  • 2019 Prince Albert II - Grace Kelly 90 Years - Monaco

    • Laura Rathe Fine Art - Dallas, TX

    • AFM Telethon - France Oliver Cole Gallery - Miami, FL

    • SCOPE Art Show - Art Basel - Miami, FL

    • Art Market San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

    • Art Wynwood Art Fair - Miami, FL

  • 2018 Art Market San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

  • 2017 Art Market San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

  • 2016 Rarity Gallery - Mykonos, Greece

    • CONTEXT Art Miami - Art Basel - Miami, FL

    • CONTEXT New York - New York, NY

    • Art Market San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

  • 2015 CONTEXT Art Miami - Art Basel - Miami, FL

    • Art Silicon Valley - San Mateo, CA

  • 2014 CONTEXT Art Miami - Art Basel - Miami, FL

    • Art Southampton - Southampton, NY

  • 2012 Kult Gallery - Singapore - Opening Exhibition