Next Michelangelo?

2 new artists show promise

By Dave Gagon

Deseret News

2002

As the newspaper’s designated art critic, I get the occasional phone call or visit from some kind-hearted individual who wants to convince me that his child- or neighbor or Uncle Bruce – is the next Michelangelo.

More often than not, however, the art is amateurish and lacking in originality, style and technique.

But every so often, one of the art emissaries introduces me to an extraordinary talent.

Such was the case two weeks ago when I was handed two transparencies; one was a figure painted by Jeffrey Hein and the other was a landscape by Jason Jones. Both are recent University of Utah graduates.

Hein is a native New Yorker, who’s large, pop-art style canvases are immediately in your face. It is a pleasant encounter however, as each painting is so skillfully crafted. The artist says he’s influenced by John Singer Sargent, and one can see the similarity in paint application and the strategic placement of accent color. Hein’s people sit confidently, relaxed; he incorporates a low camera POV to give exaggerated perspective to each model, and this also helps to bring his paintings into the exciting contemporary arena.

In the summer of 1998, Jones was introduced to plein-air painting (painting in the out-of-doors) during a workshop in helper. His instructor was Rob Adamson, a painting faculty member at Salt Lake Community College. Jones was so moved by the experience that he changed his major from graphic design to painting and drawing, and he transferred up to the U. to study under Paul Davis, Brad Slaugh and John Ericson.

These three professors’ influence can be felt in Jones’ work, but the artist has succeeded in becoming an accomplished landscape painter with his own unique touch and vision.

Both Hein and Jones will surely become major movers in the Utah art Community.

So keep hounding me with art. I might find it less than good but then again, I might not. Perhaps there truly is another Michelangelo out there.