Welcome to Jonathan Machen’s Art Archive. Below: recent time-lapse videos of plein-air drawing excursions, and testimonials of my work. Explore the archives through the links above.
To purchase art from Jonathan Machen:
If you see something you like on this site, please contact me. I work out of the Eldorado Springs Art Center, 8 Chesebro Way, Eldorado Springs, CO, in a working studio/gallery. If you are in the Colorado Front Range, we can arrange a visit in person. If you are further afield, please contact me.
Commission art from Jonathan Machen
I love to draw and paint people, landscapes and architecture! Contact me and we can talk about your interest.
I can produce drawings or paintings from your photos: I have over 40 years of drawing experience. While I love drawing from life, I can also work from photos of a cherished person, place or thing, transforming it into a drawing or painting. For examples of portrait commissions, look here, and for examples of commissions I have done of subjects other than portraits, look here.
Call me or email me at jonathan@jonathanmachen.com or 303-818-9532
Testimonials:
“We are all so happy with the mural, thank you! We look forward to working with you again in the future!”
Ashlyn Field, Spire Design and Construction, Denver, November 2023
“Jonathan, it brought tears to my eyes. I like it very much. Thank you.”
Tresa Sommers, October 2023
“Jonathan was able to capture the magic of our wedding day so expertly and with such style – I would highly recommend working with him for your special occasion!”
Happy newlyweds from California, July 2022
The mural you painted for our church over three decades ago remains a tailpiece for everyone who visits our meditation room. I remember how by chance my wife and I saw a painting of yours hanging in the Good Earth restaurant. It was so beautiful that on the spot we decided to contact you to see if you could paint a mural on the wall surrounding our meditation room. We gave you a brief idea of what we wanted, “something that would depict the Oneness of all life.”, which is the foundation Truth of Unity. What you painted exceeded our most extravagant hopes and expectations. The colors, size and relative relationship of the many different lifeforms you painted can only be described as a most original, massive work of art. Feel free to send anyone interested in your art over to our church, where they can witness it in person. Our meditation room is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 4pm. But, to make sure the room is open, have them call the church 303-442-1411. Blessings to you and your art Jonathan.
Jack Groverland, July 2022
“Thank you so much, Jonathan, for the beautiful chalk drawing of our cabin. I have owned the cabin for over 20 years and longed to have a drawing but never had confidence in any prospective artists to draw the details needed to convey its special charm and character. And then I saw your work of the Four Mile Fire Dept. building and knew you had the talent that I had been looking for. I could not be happier with the chalk drawing. It is perfect. And you met all the time commitments. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It took me 20 years but you were worth the wait.
-Karen Kelly, 2022
“Jonathan drew a beautiful picture of my daughter’s wedding venue in pen and ink with a watercolor wash. I provided a few photos and he did the rest! He was easy to communicate with and responded very quickly to my emails. His pricing is very reasonable.” Jane Isaac
-Jane Isaac, February 2022
“After seeing the stunning nature-painting which Jonathan did on the storage shed of a friend of mine in Boulder, I immediately inquired from her: ‘Who painted this?’ When she told me, I contacted Jonathan and commissioned him to work on the cover of my third book on Eastern spirituality titled The Heart of the Uddhava Gita. It can be a bit challenging to skillfully depict classic religious icons of ancient India with the requisite beauty, sensitivity, and accuracy which are needed for their fullest visual appreciation, but Jonathan displayed unwavering patience and a wonderfully cooperative spirit in working under my art direction for attending to all of the fine details and producing a most appreciable result.”
—Sajohn Daverly, July 2022
These look Great!! I just couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to integrate them into the film project.
-David Sanders, September 2021
Thanks so much! It looks great! You can bring it by the home office. (architectural house drawing commission of 1031 S. Williams st. in Denver)
-Tracy Knaizer, October 2021
“Jonathan has been incredibly easy and wonderful to work with – from initial contact to shipping and delivery. Everything went smoothly and back and forth communication was great! I’m incredibly happy with the finished drawing (plus, she also ordered one from a different vantage point) and know my husband will love it!” – Megan
-Megan Des Jardins, August 2020
We are all over the moon thrilled with your art and talent! Thank you for sharing your talent with us. The outcome is amazing and I’m so glad you have pursued the gift you have been given. It’s awesome and we feel so fortunate to be a part of your portfolio and would be honored to have you share it on Social Media sites!
– Natalie Clements, October 2020
“Love it”
— Robert Ortiz, May 2020
“Shelby and everyone love it. Thanks again.”
– Adam Calkins, January 2020
“Thank you so much for making our Christmas very special!”
— Christopher Schreur, January 2020
“You brought so much joy to us through your sketch”
— Susan Hall, January 2020
“I love your drawing of Bob. It really captures so much of his essence. You got the way he cocks his head perfectly. The railroad hat is fantastic. But it is his eyes where you really touched his soul. Thank you for creating something so beautiful.” (I also did another drawing of Bob Teitler for his family).
— Elizabeth Cammack, April, 2020
I think these are wonderful! I am delighted with them. Thank you so much!! I look forward to receiving the digital versions as well as the originals. They will have a place of honor in our home. THANK YOU! Joy
Joy Marx, 2019
“ Hi Jonathan! I gave my husband the piece and he loves it! Thank you so much again for your excellent work.”
—Kate Taliaferro, November 2019
“Thank you much, she loves it!”
— Phil Carlson, February 2018
“You’re incredible! I love it!”
– Robert Ortiz, January 2021
Jonathan Machen is a wonderfully versatile artist. He can do anything, anywhere, in any medium. He did a mural on my garden shed and people stop on the street to take a photo. He illustrated a book cover with amazing details. He could paint a building. No task is too small or too big for his great talent. 5 Star Artist. You would be lucky to have him on your project.
Seemanta, June 2022
“Jonathan completed several commissions at the University of Colorado. In 1993, he painted a large mural representing a multi-cultural artistic vision in the entry way of Hallett Hall. In addition, in 1990 the University commissioned him to do 7 large pen-and-ink reproductions of historic buildings on campus, each of which included a portrait of the individual for whom the building was associated with (Old Main: Mary Rippon, Macky Auditorium: Alexander Macky, Hale Science: Horace Hale, Sewall Hall: Joseph Sewall, Womens’ Cottage: Antoinette Bigelow, Woodbury Hall: Roger Woodbury, Baker Hall: James Baker). Additionally, Jonathan did one large oil painting of George Norlin, University of Colorado’s 5th president, and Charles Klauder, architect. This project necessitated much outside research to find old photographs and create a short written biography to accompany each drawing. The departments Jonathan has worked with have always remarked favorably on Jonathan’s prompt, accurate work and pleasant demeanor.”
— Ann Rick, November 2014