Paul Jervis’ paintings, simultaneously emotional and entertaining, revel in their embrace of the best of both coastal schools, combining the wit of Jasper Johns with the emotional figurative styles of Diebenkorn and Thiebaud. In his paintings is a fascination with abstract expressionism. Jervis, however, never quite gives in to it. He embraces figuration in the form of a detailed record of the mundane; elevating a dessert, a lawn sprinkler or a garden table to its symbolic values, without ever giving up the pleasing form of the objects. Jervis is an avid student of art, and a playful thinker. His paintings are witty, self contained, ultimately mysterious. They invite and reward our involvement.
A prominent graphic designer and art director, his eclectic background has proven useful in painting. Paul exhibited his paintings between 1995 and 1997 to enthusiastic response. In 2004 he decided to concentrate solely on his painting. Mr. Jervis studied at the University of Maryland, The School of Visual Arts (where he also teaches), and the Art Students League in New York City.
