Jonathan Lee

Jonathan Lee ‘s journey as an artist has been long in the making. Since the young age of 8 painting and drawing have been a constant creative and expressive outlet. During this time home was Asia, more specifically Taiwan and later Hong Kong before moving to North America. Both Taiwan and Hong Kong were an influence on his creativity and artistic direction. Learning techniques and styles that are not traditional to North America, this allowed him to forge his own unique style focusing on dry mediums, watercolor and inks. As a teenager the family moved to North America, where he began to take focus programs in the arts and learn western techniques and styles. Moving into oils and acrylics he brought his own blend of watercolor techniques, distinguishing his approach and use of the new mediums as a part of the Kingston Focus Programs in the arts. He developed a body of work and style that was later built into a portfolio to apply for the Ontario College of Art and Design’s (OCAD) first Illustration programs. In the early 2000’s Jonathan entered OCAD University and began his training and education in the arts. Discovering art history and learning new techniques he was torn between studying in the Illustration Design program and the Fine Arts programs. As University continued, he balanced both programs Design and Fine Arts programs and continued to build a body of work as a painter and an Illustrator. He took the love for Ink and Watercolor techniques and pushed it into his Acrylics. This gained him invitations to show with the Ontario Society of Artist, Edward Day Gallery. Upon graduation he one of two artist chosen for the Illustration awards out of 250 other graduating artists. Since graduation he has been in many local shows around Toronto for the past decade, and has shown art in music festivals. Since 2017 he returned to living back in the Thousand Island Area and has started a family. His wife Victoria Mongrain is also a professional artist and together they at times will collaborate to create art. This has led to the whole family of three girls becoming little artist themselves as well as gives three versions of art for would be clients. One from Jonathan’s own style, the second Victoria’s, and the third is the collaborative works they now make together. Focusing on morals, values, ethics, society and technology, his art has taken on the tone of a pro-active approach of cautionary warning and internal reflection. The viewer will always have something interesting to find and discover each time they look into his work. From the high detail flickering ink technique to impressionistic washes, there is a bit something special for everyone in his work to take in, from him to you.