Al Jackson

Alwin Jackson (born October 5, 1964) is an American artist and painter currently based in Palm Springs, California.

Versed in multiple disciplines of art and design, Jackson has studied and undergone training in Los Angeles, Bangkok, Boston, and Atlanta.

His works are collected throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Jackson was born in Carmel, California and grew up in Pebble Beach.

A standout in the fine art program at Stevenson Prep Highschool, Jackson was sent to study painting further at universities prior to high school graduation.

He entered the fine art program at Pepperdine University and graduated in 1986, accepting his first job at advertising agency Ogilvy and Mather the same year.

Relocating overseas for the position, Jackson was based in Asia where he created ads for Guinness, Pepsi, and other brands.

In 1998 he returned to the U.S., designing ads for BBDO Advertising in New York and Atlanta.

Despite the tenure and success in advertising Jackson stated in interviews to having always been a painter and in 2008, thus affording his departure from advertising design, began to formally sell works.

Reviews and media relating to Jackson's work has mentioned influences of Edward Hopper's contrast of light and dark.

While, reluctant to emulate other painters, Jackson has admittedly discussed and embraced the comparison to Hopper's play of light and shadow.

Contemporary works painted by Jackson have an added modern element based on the composition, thus being the liberal use of negative space along with a style that emulates simplicity and a graphic design quality.

When discussing this in interviews and press coverage, Jackson credits such to an advertising designer and mentor, Neil French, whom the artist worked under for five years in advertising.

Publications

Exhibitions