Rivernacular

Jules Buck Jones at David Shelton Gallery

In 2019, Cattywampus Press published a limited edition book of the art of Jules Buck Jones. I was fortunate enough to snag a copy (only 250 were published). I cherish my copy of Wild, one of the oddest and most beautiful books I have ever seen. Jones is a painter who specializes in depicting nature in dense, colorful images.

Wild contains an interview between Jones and the Contemporary Austin’s Andrea Mellard. In their conversation, Jones gives his readers an important clue about looking at his artwork.

I would say the animals I draw or paint are more realistic in form and I try to refrain from anthropomorphizing them. The landscapes are a different story. I try to give them a presence or a soul, so I’ve definitely attempted to give animal characteristic to my forests and swamps.

With this in mind, let’s look at Jones’ art that is currently on view at David Shelton Gallery. Most of the paintings are produced with ink and vibrant watercolors.