Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Tuftee.
Hi Jonathan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember. Art has always been something I’ve naturally returned to, even as life took me in different directions. In my late 20s, I decided I wanted to take it more seriously and really focus on developing as an artist. I began putting more intentional time into practicing, studying, and figuring out what kind of artist I wanted to become.
Over the years, that path has continued to evolve. I’ve explored different mediums and approaches, but painting and drawing—especially portraiture—have become central to my practice. I eventually became an art teacher, which has also had a huge influence on the way I think about making art. Teaching has reinforced for me that becoming better at art isn’t about some fixed level of talent; it’s about practice, curiosity, and being willing to keep learning.
More recently, I’ve started documenting that process through YouTube and social media. I’m making portrait videos, talking about creativity and the process of learning, and experimenting with music and other creative forms. I’ve also started writing and recording my own music, which I’m beginning to incorporate into my art videos.
At this point, I don’t really think of my journey as something with a final destination. I’m interested in continuing to learn, make things, and see where the work takes me. What started as something I’ve always done has gradually become something I’m intentionally building my life around.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. About nine years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer, which was one of the most difficult and uncertain periods of my life. Thankfully, I survived, and the experience changed the way I think about time, priorities, and what I want to do with my life.
On a more day-to-day level, one of my biggest struggles has been self-doubt. Making art and putting it out into the world means constantly being vulnerable to the possibility that people won’t respond to it, or that I won’t feel like I’m good enough. There have been plenty of periods where I’ve questioned what I’m doing or compared myself to other artists.
What I’ve learned is that I don’t have to eliminate self-doubt in order to keep going. I can feel discouraged, question myself, and still show up the next day and make something. Over time, I’ve learned to trust the process more than I trust whatever I’m feeling on a particular day.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but I think the difficult parts have ultimately taught me to keep creating anyway.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is primarily focused on drawing and painting, with portraiture becoming an increasingly important part of my practice. I’m particularly interested in the process of learning—how observation, practice, experimentation, and repetition can gradually turn something difficult into something that feels natural.
I’m also an art teacher, so teaching and making are closely connected for me. I enjoy breaking down artistic processes and helping people understand that drawing and painting aren’t mysterious talents that some people are simply born with. There are skills that can be practiced, developed, and improved.
More recently, I’ve been documenting my own process through YouTube and social media. I create videos of myself making portraits, talking about art and creativity, and experimenting with different ways of presenting the work. I’ve also begun writing and recording my own music, which I’m incorporating into my art videos.
What I’m most proud of is my commitment to continuing to learn. I’ve been making art for most of my life, but I still approach it as something I can get better at. I’ve spent the last several years becoming much more intentional about practicing portraiture, documenting that progress, and putting the work out into the world.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not particularly interested in presenting myself as someone who has “figured it all out.” I’m interested in showing what it actually looks like to keep learning. My work combines art, teaching, music, and documentation, but underneath all of it is the same idea: keep showing up, keep experimenting, and see what happens.
What makes you happy?
I’m happiest when I’m with my family. They’ve always been supportive of all my creative aspirations. I’m grateful to have them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jonathantufteeart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tufteestudioart/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tufteestudio?si=bo5AOYqeObkqLQF2
