Jon Pryke

An established and highly successful pastel artist in receipt of many prestigious awards, Jon has held numerous successful solo and group exhibitions both here and abroad. He is a frequent contributor to the annual exhibitions of the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of Marine Artists, the Pastel Society and the Royal Society of British Artists, serving on its Council from 2006 to 2008. Jon is popularly regarded as a master of pastel usage, particularly in the subtle way he harmonises lush colours with sensitivity and skill. He thrives on light in all its aspects, often painting in Southern Europe where the light is stronger and colours more vivid ('light-seeing' as he calls it). He creates highly acclaimed paintings which successfully portray such atmospheric images as dancing light sparkling on water, and landscapes transformed by the different times of the day and year. Painting in his London studio, Jon is forever mindful of bringing to the viewer's attention his own perception of nature's breathtaking beauty. Born in Suffolk in 1943, Jon studied full-time at the Ipswich School of Art (1959-61), and at the London College of Printing (1961-63). He was a visiting lecturer at the Camberwell, Ravensbourne and Ipswich Schools of Art, before deciding to devote all of his time to painting. Jon's artworks are held in private and public collections throughout the world. Commissioned works include The Palace of Westminster, Downing Street and Wayford Manor (Somerset).