Jonathan Machen has been fascinated by drawing since he was 16 years old. He grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, surrounded by scientists who pursued the scientific method and the extraordinary geology of the Pajarito Plateau. As he grew older, he began to pay attention to the dynamic beauty of northern New Mexico and wanted to find a way to express what he was experiencing.

Jonathan developed an interest in meditation and linked that to drawing outside. Frederick Franck's books The Zen of Seeing and The Awakened Eye influenced him deeply. For Jonathan, the process of observing and drawing became a pursuit in itself, with the natural world as the subject.

His process has evolved over the years to incorporate light, shadow, and color for a more painterly approach. His work now cycles between plein-air landscape drawing and social and political commentary, often using collage principles to reflect the world around him.

Jon's illustration work has found its way onto notecards and tees over the years, and with ArtFair Apparel, that tradition continues. He lives in Boulder County with his wife Paige and their two kids, Orion and Phoenix.

Archive: jonathanmachen.com ↗ · Notecards & prints: jonathanmachen.art ↗
Teaching: pleinairboulder.art ↗ · Instagram: @jonathanmachen ↗

Jonathan's music is woven through everything he does. He has studied violin, french horn, trombone, and banjo, and now focuses on guitar. He produces recording projects and incorporates music into his time-lapse videos of his outdoor drawing process, which you can find on his Instagram.

We are so glad to have Jonathan as part of the ArtFair family!

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