Jonathan Guy-Gladding Original acrylic painting Framed young Woman Portrait For Sale

Jonathan Guy-Gladding (JAG) first came to the Caribbean as a Peace Corps Volunteer in 1999. Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, he had been working as a computer artist and animator for Sesame Street in New York City- a dream-job, but after five years he felt the urge to broaden his horizons and make a contribution. He applied to the Peace Corps and was sent to the island of Saint Lucia where he was assigned to teach woodworking to teenagers in the beautiful southern coastal village of Laborie. He found there an unending supply of rich subject matter in the faces and postures of the uniformed schoolchildren, the people going about their daily lives, and the traditional cultural aspects that make Saint Lucia such a wonderful and distinctive place. The pride in heritage and Kwéyòl culture combined with a sense of community and responsibility toward one another deeply impressed him and gave direction to his work. So with all these elements set in front of a landscape of vibrant greens, stunning blues, and warm browns, and illuminated by a quality of light he had never experienced before, he found in Saint Lucia what artists have always traveled far and near to find - true inspiration. He began painting again and decided that when his two-year stint was up he would devote himself to painting full-time. That was more than eighteen years ago and he’s been painting full-time ever since and continues to live in the same village where he did his Peace Corps service. During those years he has exhibited extensively in the Caribbean, the US, and the UK and won numerous awards, including first prize at the Cape Cod Art Association’s National Exhibition (twice) and Awards of Excellence and Narrative Excellence at The National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society Best of America exhibition. It is Jonathan’s desire to tell a story in details, whether it is about the warmth and spirit of the people of the Caribbean or something as simple as the way the reflected light colors the edge of a childʼs face. With his art he endeavors to do his part in preserving what is so special about the Caribbean and its people, and share with others his sincere love and appreciation for his subject.