Artist Jon Middlebrook: Taking Graffiti to the Next Level

Artist Jon Middlebrook: Taking Graffiti to the Next Level

Words by Molly Britt

What do you think of when you think of art? You probably think of the most famous artists and the pieces they created located all around the world. But maybe think a little bit closer to home. Local artists are all over Jacksonville aiming to impress their audiences with their unique takes and artistic expression.

Jon Middlebrook is a local artist who uses his talent to paint colorful and creative pieces using wood and spray paint. Day or night you’ll find him working on his art. Most of his work focuses on different characters or muses that catch viewers’ eyes immediately.

My favorite pieces of his include well-known Greek and Roman figures such as Poseidon and Julius Caesar painted in bright blues and grays. His work creates almost a three-dimensional effect by his ingenius use of shadows and highlights. Don’t want to delve into Greek or Roman history? That’s OK, take a look at his pop art portraits of Marilyn Monroe in blue, purple, red and yellow, as well as Frank Sinatra and even Frankenstein. Middlebrook is clearly not afraid to reach high, and he has done so successfully. There is really no goal he can’t reach with his talent and drive.

As the featured artist at a recent Folio Art Walk party, Middlebrook showcased his skills and imagination with multiple pieces of his art on display, making guests’ eyes go wide upon seeing them. The colors he selects, the sizes of his pieces, and the details in his work will take him far as an artist…I can just tell. He also gives his audience a look into his work by showcasing videos of his process, making sure viewers know just how much effort he puts into his art.