Check out Jeff True’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff True.

Jeff, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I graduated in 1982 in Commercial Art. My first job out of school was painting billboards, when they actually painted, sanded and repainted them. Was a paste-up and layout artist for a strength and conditioning magazine. Was a production artist for a printing company. I moved to Arizona in 1986. After living in Phoenix a few years. The colors, sunsets and beauty of the desert and Arizona started to inspire me to paint again. Also with a little inspiration from Bob Ross and the “happy trees”. Mainly painting for myself, sharing the paintings with family and friends. Also at this time, I started True Graphics {early 90’s}. I found myself doing work in a variety of artistic areas. Doing logo’s, posters, signs, banners, murals, faux finishes, props, backdrops, color consultation, custom finishes and painting. In 2000 I decided I needed to start building up an inventory of my work. I always enjoyed going to art shows, talking to the artists, admiring there work and getting inspired by them. I wanted to be part of the art community and see if I could get juried in some shows. After having a decent inventory to cover a 10×10 art tent. I started getting accepted in some shows. Like the Thunderbird Artists shows in Carefree, Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and Surprise. Also doing a ten-week show with the Arizona Fine Art Expo. Hidden in the Hills art studio shows with the Sonoran Arts League. Phippen Museum Western Art show in Prescott. I found out very quickly that the artists’ community are very unique and loving people. So willing to help and encourage one another. Some of my best friends I have met through doing the art shows in town. Over the years, I have done a lot of Christian art. With different scriptures, visions or commission work. Christian art shows with Linda Spires and Call to Art @ Desert Springs Community Church in Goodyear. I will continue to do shows, paint and do whatever creative job that comes along. Being an artist, you always have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Say yes to a lot of jobs, like I have done with my True Graphics business. Hopefully, your art will attract and move someone’s spirit in a way they enjoy looking and being around your work.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am an oil painter on canvas mainly. I enjoy big art. Most of my art is 30x 40, 36×48 or larger. I like art that is the focal point in a room. I want the person to look at the art instead of furniture and fixtures. I love detail and realism. I want my work to look like a photograph, so the viewer has to get close and really look at the detail to come to a conclusion is it paint or a photograph. If I can pull that off, I feel good about that. My inspiration and talent comes from God. The ultimate creator and artist. He created all these beautiful things around us for us to enjoy and if I can capture that beauty in a painting and he’s gifted me to do it then that is my inspiration. I really want my art to be comforting and pleasing to the viewer. If I can share some of my painting techniques or encourage someone to tap into there own creative skills, that is part of the reward of art and being an artist. Creating relationships with people, Life is all about helping and encouraging others. Art is a great way to create a conversation and open a door to get to know someone.

Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
I think the role continues to evolve and change with the times. When it comes to change. I think that is up to the artist and how involved they are in all aspects of social media. If things and events are pressing on your heart, you need to listen and move that vision or idea forward if you’re passionate about an issue or event. For me now, all the positive and negative events are not a great influence on my art. I think if I was more involved with all the social media today I would be. Currently, I choose to stay away from social media and just have my web site and phone. I know that hurts me as an artist. For my art, I love realism and my subject matter for me is peaceful and more comforting. I want my art to be satisfying to the spirit and give the viewer a sense of peace. There are so many beautiful things to look at in nature if we just take the time and interest to stop and really look at what’s around us. I want to capture that with color, composition and light.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Currently, I’m not in a gallery or presenting my work anywhere. I will be doing the Thunderbird artist shows in the fall, winter and spring months in Carefree, Arizona. I am online at jefftrue.net. I also do commission work and have originals and gicl’ee prints available for sale. I also do custom painting, custom finishes, faux, color consultation, prop and backdrop rentals. I am currently pursuing venues to show my work in the valley. If a gallery or certain venue is willing to display my work, I am always open to sharing or displaying my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: jefftru.net
• Phone: 602-373-6513
• Email: jeff@jefftrue.net

Image Credit:
Michael Johnson
Davin Lavikka
and myself

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