Jade Gates

My artistic career began behind a camera. I first hand-tinted photographs and then began to transfer film onto art paper and apply watercolors and pastels. These unique processes provided me with the opportunity to exhibit and teach in galleries, museums, and colleges throughout the world.
After decades of teaching and experimenting with multiple mediums, I now mostly use oil paints because of their rich, organic, and translucent character.
My work has been collected throughout the United States and Europe, including The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and The J. Paul Getty Foundation.
Born and raised in southern California, I now reside and work in Sarasota, Florida. Since I've lived near the water my entire life, it's influenced my choices of color and texture. I find inspiration in the beauty of nature and the human figure, particularly when positioned in a state of joy, grace, or connection.
When I paint, I usually began with an idea, a pattern of light and dark values, and a few colors, all of which can completely transform into something entirely different by the time the painting is finished.
I like to let the color and light flow across figures and shapes, showing the connection between all that surrounds them an...

Cabrillo College, Aptos CA
UCSC, Santa Cruz CA

February 2020
Chasen Galleries Sarasota FL

February 2019
Chasen Galleries Sarasota FL