Jonathan Grauel

Jonathan Grauel is a Charlotte-based artist who has gained international and regional recognition. Grauel's life has been shaped by his desire to create. He transforms that need into unique visual narratives.

Jonathan uses energetic line, whimsical shape, and vivid color to construct surreal spaces. Focusing on the places “we" travel, he portrays not just physical locations, like the coffee shops, pubs and parks he frequents but also constructs villages from mental, emotional, and spiritual territories. His work is a response to his surroundings and the relationships they contain.

Grauel participates in numerous gallery events, one-man shows, and group exhibits around the world. His paintings have received multiple awards. Jonathan recently was awarded mural art commissions for Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the Levine Children’s Hospital. Grauel has been a member and partner/owner of Ciel Gallery in Charlotte. Grauel completed an artist residency in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland. Over the last few years, Jonathan has been awarded public art commissions, many of which involved collaborative work with fellow artists. Grauel has led numerous live art painting sessions in corporate and private settings. Jonathan teaches workshops and private lessons and has been a guest speaker in the classroom upon many occasions. In addition, he taught high school art and has a keen interest in arts education.

For many years, Jonathan's primary mediums were acrylics, oils, and oil pastels. In 2008, an accident with a table saw left him without an index finger on his dominant hand. After the accident, his wife and friends surprised him with an iPhone. He soon discovered a new joy in "finger painting." Jonathan added an iPad to his artist toolbox, and it has replaced his sketchbook as a constant companion. He enjoys the freedom of the digital medium and also continues to work with traditional 2D and 3D media.