Background

Jon Crocker grew up in Colorado, sketching and painting from childhood. He studied Fine Arts at Colorado State University where his talent developed, particularly in portrait and figurative studies. Jon very quickly realized that the economic potential in fine art was limited, so he went into advertising, but always promised himself he would return to his dream of someday becoming the “comfortable” starving artist he always hoped to be. Life took its own turns. He married and had two beautiful daughters; established, managed, and eventually sold, two Advertising Agencies. In 2012 having lost his wife and one of his daughters to illness Jon new it was time to refocus his life and so began to paint once again. 

 

Artist Statement

My work in watercolor is rooted in a deep appreciation for both the spontaneity of the medium and the discipline it requires. My background in design has deeply influenced my approach to realistic and vibrant watercolor painting. Years of experience in composition, balance, and visual storytelling have allowed me to create pieces that are not only technically precise but also visually compelling and unique. Each painting begins with a carefully considered layout—every element placed with intention to guide the viewer’s eye and evoke a sense of atmosphere, realism, and emotional connection.

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Color Technique

The question I am asked the most is “How do you achieve such depth of color and contrast of light and shade using watercolors?” By layering countless transparent washes rather than mixing colors on a palette. I avoid using white paint, letting the bright white Fabriano paper serve as the light source, which requires careful planning from the very first stroke. Each move in the painting process must be anticipated—like a chess match—because corrections are nearly impossible. The challenge and beauty of watercolor means each new painting is a fresh adventure - unpredictable yet magical.

 

The Final Process
In recent years, I have perfected the process of mounting my watercolors on archival birchwood cradled panels and sealing them with a wax resin thus eliminating the need for glass. This technique not only enhances the vibrancy and texture of the artwork but allows me to work in large formats, offering scope for larger commissions of bold, impactful artworks that are waterproof, dustproof and UV protected.