Hi, I’m Jon — full time Appalachian muralist and storyteller based in Roanoke, VA. I hold an MFA from Radford University with a focus in painting and drawing, but my true inspiration comes from the people of Appalachia — their stories, their character, their spirit...
After several years spent teaching art courses, I made the transition to painting large scale murals full-time. You can find my work all over Virginia and beyond - even as far away as Brazil. Thanks for following along here and being a part of my journey!
Welcome, I'm jon
Every mural is more than paint on brick — it’s a celebration of the people, places, and history that shape the Appalachian spirit. Through bold color, thoughtful design, and a deep connection to the region’s heritage, each wall becomes a living canvas that shares the stories of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
From bustling main streets to quiet rural towns, these murals invite neighbors and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and see their community in a new light. Each project is a collaboration — between artist and audience, past and present — ensuring that the heart of Appalachia is not just remembered, but reimagined for generations to come.
Bringing Appalachian Stories to Life —One Wall at a Time.
02 landscape
01 people
04 appalachia
03 stories
my inspiration / my inspiration / my inspiration
For over a decade I have represented the people of Southwest Virginia in my portraits. Through combining hyper-realism and expression, I exhibited my charcoal portraits across the country on both a regional and national stage.
These portraits form the foundation of my passion for representing human expression and have inspired me to continue this trend in my murals today. My intention has always been to represent the true spirit of the individual, rather than an idealistic beauty. The depth of character within many of these faces captures the best of what we have in Appalachia: the human spirit of our people.
A History in
Hyper-Realism;
A Commitment to
Genuine Expression.
Have a story to tell? I’d love to hear it. Let’s begin with a simple note.
And everywhere in between
roanoke to richmond