Jerry Jordan is a children’s book illustrator and painter working in the style of contemporary realism. He counts the unsung artists of the Harlem Renaissance as his artistic role models. He has also been heavily influenced by such artists as John S. Sargent, William M. Chase and Joaquin Sorolla just to name a few. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with a BA in Art, as well as his MS in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Art Education. With a growing body of work, he is quickly becoming a highly sought after artist.
He currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his wife Nyra and their son and daughter.
Website: www.artistjerryjordan.com
Instagram: purplehood2
My Journey
Growing up I was constantly drawing and I drew on everything (which did not always go over well with my parents or teachers). My childhood dream was to be an artist whether
that was as a painter, cartoonist or even a comic book artist. I even majored in art in college, however, like many young creatives I thought I had to be practical, so I built a career in higher education as a college recruiter and academic advisor. That said I never gave up the dream and slowly over the years I have become a successful painter. But my becoming an illustrator was very unexpected. As a painter I am regularly posting my work on Instagram sharing my process and the development of my paintings as they progress. Serendipitously my future agent Joan spotted my work and saw that I live in Madison WI. In another stroke of luck or divine intervention she just happened to
represent an author also living in Madison, and this author knew my wife through work.
One day, seemly out of the blue, I received an email from Joan asking if we could talk,
and if I would be interested in doing illustrations. Next thing I know I have an agent and I
am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
The Inspiration
Growing up I was first inspired by the illustrator and author Robert McClosky and his Homer Price book series his drawings were just simply amazing and pulled me in. I spent hours copying the work of comic book artist. It was in college when I learned about the painters and illustrators of the Harlem Renaissance, such as Jacob
Lawrence, Faith Ringgold.
The Process
I assume my process is not much different from most illustrators, except I work completely in oil. I typically will start with a quick reading of the manuscript to get the
overall vibe of the story. After that I will sit down with a new sketch book purchased for the new story. As I read along, I am picturing in my head what is happening on each page and making loose sketches of the vision I am seeing. Once my drawings are approved, I start making oil sketches on canvas and slowly develop each into full blown
paintings.
Under the Radar
Being relatively new to the profession I do not know a lot of illustrators. But I am going to give a shout out to Gordon C. James, his work continuously catches my eye and
inspires. His latest book by Quartez Harris.
Jerry is Represented by:
Portrait Society Gallery (414) 870-9930. 207 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.portraitsocietygallery.com
Gallery Guichard (773) 791-7003. 436 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
www.galleryguichard.com
Mahogany Gallery (262) 676-2722. 1422 Washington Ave, Racine, WI
53403 Mahoganygallery.com