Ross Jones

‘Seabreeze’ is set within a vibrantly idealised view from artist Ross Jones’ backyard in Snells Beach, looking out to sea with Kawau Island on the left and Beehive Island / Taungamaro Island and Scandrett Regional Park to the right. The subject – a model yacht with a history of its own – gently makes its way across the crystal water. In ‘Seabreeze’, Jones has given us a space to let our minds drift gently alongside, or aboard, this nostalgic object.

Jones says, “I purchased this stunning example of an early 20th-century, gaff-rigged pond yacht dating from the 1920’s from John Stephens Antiques in Remuera earlier this year. Popularised in the 1920s and 1930s, pond yacht racing allowed participants to display their sailing skills without needing expensive sailing crafts, slips, and maintenance fees. Pond yachts required the “Sunday sailors” to read the wind and set the vessel for a straight line run across the pond. Model yachting reached a peak of activity in the 1930s and many Shop and Manual Arts classes would include model boat building projects in their programming as it involves woodwork, metal forming and casting, and working with fabrics. These skills seem to have disappeared over the years. Hopefully, the craft will not die out altogether.”

Image Size: 660 x 500 mm
Paper Size: 840 x 710 mm
Limited edition of: 49

Ross Jones is a contemporary painter creating works that evoke a heady sense of nostalgia and elevated playfulness.

Working from his studio overlooking the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland, Jones’ fusion of playful realism incorporates elements of the surreal. Each meticulously devised painting offers hints at various narratives as the artist invites the viewer to engage with his role as storyteller.

“I love the phrase “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story,” so as you view my paintings, don’t let your imagination stop you from seeing the bigger picture. How far the journey takes you is entirely up to you.” – Ross Jones

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