Sal Jones London, United Kingdom

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Sal is known for her expressive portraits that capture fleeting emotions rather than fixed likenesses. Working in rich layers of oil paint, she draws on film, media, and her own imagery to create characters who feel both familiar and mysterious. With titles often borrowed from dialogue, her paintings hint at stories without telling them outright, leaving space for the viewer to step in.

My works explore the connection between the painting process and our interaction with reproduced images. I investigate the relationship between representation and empathy, examining how a fleeting glance or an unguarded gesture can resonate profoundly with viewers. Drawing inspiration from photographs and found images, along with influences from cinematography, my work acts as a visual commentary on contemporary life. By selecting subjects and expressions that evoke sensitivity, I aim to forge connections through shared emotions, often challenging traditional portrait norms and gender stereotypes. I focus primarily on women—often fictional or notorious figures with societal relevance—encouraging the audience to reflect on broader narratives surrounding female representation in art. I work with oil on canvas; my process varies, with some pieces created quickly in an expressive burst, while others develop more slowly, allowing for adjustments and refinements over time. I apply oil paint directly onto the canvas, layering it through various methods, from delicate washes to bold, gestural strokes. By combining brushwork and palette knives, I experiment with vibrant color palettes and dynamic marks that resonate emotionally with the subject. The essence of my paintings lies not in the recognizability of the subjects but in the powerful moments of connection they portray, inviting viewers to identify with the underlying feelings, regardless of who is depicted on the canvas.