Working in oils and acrylics on canvas, Jonathan Mann creates lifelike paintings of animals, flowers and landscape scenes that have the kind of focus and power usually associated with portraits of human figures. “After years of observing the volatility of humanity and culture,” he says, “I find myself more enamored with the natural world because it has been forgotten in the 21st century.” That connection with nature is strongly reflected in Mann’s work. Whether he is showing us cows staring at the viewer with grande-dame hauteur, or isolates the details of a leaf left lying on the ground, Mann gives each motif a strong personality and presence that make a powerful impression. With a strong sense of color and a pronounced ability to capture the subtleties of gesture and expression the artist draws the viewer into poignant conversation. Mann lives and works in rural Maryland.