The Early Years Jeff Young was born in Huntsville, Texas in 1966. He grew up in Houston where he spent the majority of his time in activities related to either art or athletics, excelling in both. Like many young boys, Jeff had a fascination for cowboys and Indians. Unlike most, however, this fascination developed into a real passion for the people and culture of native America. Not surprisingly, these varied interests – athletics and native American culture – found a framework for expression in the pens, pencils and oils of Jeff’s artistic repertoire.

Artistic Styles and Interpretation

Jeff excels in all of the flat art disciplines, with particular emphasis on charcoal and pencil drawings, pastels and oils. His specific area of expertise would be officially labeled within the art world as Representational Interpretive Portraiture, meaning that he has both the intellectual and artistic skills to create unique renderings of people, animals, etc. . . . and yet still convey realism within the context of the interpretations. Indeed, both within and without the art community, people agree that one of Jeff’s primary strengths lies in his ability to capture the lifelikeness of his subjects. But for Jeff (and others) this means more than just technical excellence and attention to detail. As one reviewer has put it, Jeff has a way of “capturing the essence of his subjects.” This translates into original artwork that is both artistically realistic and emotionally stimulating.

Recognition / Education Jeff’s earliest awards in art came in first grade, when he won first place in the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo "Go Texan" art contest. Jeff won "Best of Show" in 1977 and 1978. As a senior in high school, Jeff won First Place in a juried art show at North Harris County College in Houston. In 1986, he decided to use his artistic ability to earn his bachelors degree in Fine Art at Sam Houston State University. Later he received his teaching certificate from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. Marketability Jeff has never had much difficulty selling his work. As early as elementary school, he discovered that his drawings of sports stars and American Indians found a ready market among his peers and fellow classmates. This modest approach to “art merchandising” continued through his teenage years and early adulthood, with each successive stage accompanied by a corresponding increase in both the quality and value of his work.

“When I see one of Jeff’s interpretations, I’m inevitably drawn to the subject. Some feeling is evoked; some idea or ideal – dignity, joy, sadness . . . something – and it makes me want to know the character better. Jeff really has a unique way of capturing the essence of his subjects, portraying some particular quality, and bringing them to life.” Fred W. Conroe, Texas

During this time, however, art was rarely more than a means to an end for Jeff; athletics was always his main pursuit. In 1997, to help support himself while he competed as a PRCA rodeo cowboy (bareback bronc rider), he opened a western art gallery in West Texas where he quickly sold all of his available inventory of original artwork. From 1997 to 2004, Jeff pastored a church called Frontiers of Faith that he started in Bryan, Texas. At the same time, he continued to produce and sell his artwork periodically. Over the years, he has also accepted and completed a number of commissioned individual projects ranging from drawings of prize bulls, to billboards, album covers and more.

The Road Ahead

Only recently has Jeff acknowledged what everyone else has always known, that his creations are altogether appealing, inspiring . . . and widely marketable. With the launch of JeffYoungArt.com, Jeff enters the commercial side of art with a decidedly professional emphasis and is reaching a broader audience than ever before. His vision now is to share his artwork with the world and satisfy the desires of all those who appreciate quality, original fine art.