Charlie Ward

Jaxon Northon, an American portrait artist and illustrator born in Reno, Nevada, developed his skills as a self-taught oil painter during his teenage years in San Francisco. He is known for his highly realistic paintings of individuals he encounters in everyday life, often those who occupy the fringes of society, a fascination that began with drawing people on buses in San Francisco. Northon's meticulous attention to detail, capturing wrinkles, scars, and other unique features, is central to his work. He views portrait painting as a way to understand the human condition and affirm the importance of each individual within the vastness of existence, believing that each person, though part of a multitude, is a unique and significant entity. To tell a more comprehensive story about his subjects, he incorporates symbolic and metaphorical elements in his compositions, using objects, animals, and text. Northon's work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States and in London, and he participated in The Art Students League of New York's Career Development Program. He also takes on commissioned portraits, with his work appearing in various magazines, publications, and films. His paintings were featured in the documentary "André is an Idiot," which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Northon currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where he continues to create his compelling portraits.