Fermanagh artist's motivator is 'the want for constant progression'

Along with his university work, Jordan has been developing his own business, painting commissions ranging from family portraits to pets.

Here he speaks to The Impartial Reporter about his artistic background, his most ambitious piece, to date, and what art means to him.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school/do courses?

SINCE I can remember I have always loved being creative, it was always my favourite subject in school.

For what I can do today, I would say I am mostly self-taught, from books, YouTube and just practicing.

However, I am in my final year of studying Graphic Design in Liverpool John Moore’s University.

This has taught me all I know about editing, which is needed a lot of the time in my work.

I often need to PhotoShop several people from different photos together to make it look realistic.

What inspires your art?

MOST of my inspiration is intrinsic. I really enjoy creating and I find it therapeutic. My biggest motivator is the want for constant progression.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

MY INDIVIDUAL art style has been influenced from a lot of different artists, both past and present.

Is there a specific place that you do your work? Do you have a studio?

I PAINT entirely from my student house. When I move to a new house in July, I will have my own office space which is exciting as it can only be a step forward in productivity.

What has been your most ambitious piece, to date?

MY MOST ambitious piece, to date, would be a black and white nine-person portrait I did right before Christmas.

This piece was a big challenge for me as I had to combine nine people from five different photos, and only had seven days to complete the painting due to uni work and other commissions.

However, I think the outcome was some of my best work I’ve ever created.

What different artistic media do you use and which is your favourite?

SINCE I began painting in July, acrylic paint is the only medium I use. Although when I was in school, I never really painted; I mostly used coloured pencil and graphite pencil.

What are you currently working on?

I AM currently working on a few projects; my current commission is of two dogs for one of my former teachers in St. Joseph’s College.

I am also collaborating with a well-established clothing brand, which is exciting.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

SOCIAL media and my website are currently the only place I exhibit my work. My Instagram is @jordanbreen_art, on Facebook I am Jordan Breen Art, and my website is at www.jordanbreenart.co.uk.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2021?

I HAVE big plans for 2021, in terms of scaling my business and improving my artwork.

Right now, between balancing 20-plus paintings booked in for the year, my final year of uni, freelance graphic work and collaborations with different companies, I’m up to my neck in work until I graduate, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As long as I’m constantly moving forward and improving every day, I’m happy.

What has been your favourite project, to date?

THAT'S a tough one, as I’ve really enjoyed every project I’ve done. A really special one was a Christmas commission for a good mate of mine; the painting was a family portrait, but it was extra special as the picture was taken the day his Granda got the all-clear from cancer.

I know how much the painting meant to him and his family, so it was rewarding.

My Conor McGregor painting is, and I think always will be, one of my favourite paintings.

It was the first painting I had ever sold, and really gave me the belief that I could make a career from this.

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

WHEN I’m not creating art, I like to spend time with my girlfriend, socialise with mates and get involved in exercise.

Before lockdown, I loved going to the gym and I also worked part-time in a pub, which I enjoyed.

However, since both are closed until further notice, I'm trying to utilise this free time by progressing my business as much as possible.

How would you describe your artistic style?

RIGHT now, I don’t think I have one specific style. I tailor my ability to what the customer wants.

When I’m working on my own paintings, I like to have a lot of texture, bold colours, and a lot of splatter/dripping effects.

However, when it comes to a lot of commissions, I work in a cleaner manner, focusing on realism. It just depends on the customer's preference, really.

What does your art mean to you?

MY ART is extremely important to me – the enjoyment it gives me, and my customers means everything.

The position I’m in now is something I dreamt of as a kid, so I’m very grateful for the opportunities that are coming my way.