PAINTed works
Fresh Sheets
The Brass Rail
Toronto artist Johnathan Ball has been commissioned to create a new painting of The Brass Rail, one of the city’s most iconic and notorious strip clubs. Known as a longstanding Toronto landmark, The Brass Rail holds a unique place in the city’s cultural landscape.
Ball’s multidisciplinary approach and deep understanding of urban spaces make him an ideal choice for this project. His work will capture the vibrant energy and complex character of The Brass Rail, paying tribute to its history while offering a fresh artistic perspective.
This commission highlights the intersection of contemporary art with Toronto’s diverse and sometimes controversial landmarks, presenting an opportunity to engage viewers in a conversation about the city’s evolving identity.
City
Canyon
Oil and acrylic on canvas
36x48”
Sold •
JBall’s latest work captures the vibrant energy of Toronto’s iconic Queen Street, transforming the cityscape into a dynamic painting that pulses with life. The busy thoroughfare—with its eclectic mix of historic architecture, bustling streetcars, and colorful storefronts—serves as both subject and inspiration. Through bold brushstrokes and a keen eye for detail, JBall conveys the intersection of urban chaos and cultural richness, inviting viewers to experience the heartbeat of Toronto’s most famous street in a fresh, compelling way. This piece not only honors the city’s diversity but also highlights its constant motion and evolving character.
DIFFUSE
Johnathan Ball show Diffuse presents a captivating and nuanced exploration of dappled light and its interaction with various objects and trees in natural settings. Through a keen and sensitive observation of organic forms, Ball delves deeply into the subtle interplay between light, shadow, and texture, crafting works that fluidly shift between representation and abstraction. The medium is also part of message, as all the works are predominately created with spray paint. The pieces thoughtfully invite viewers to reconsider familiar landscapes, emphasizing how fragmented and shifting light patterns can transform perception and reveal new, often hidden dimensions within the natural world. This exhibition stands as a carefully considered investigation into the boundaries where nature’s forms intersect with artistic interpretation, offering audiences a serene yet dynamic and immersive experience.
City Series
506 Muskoka, Oil, acrylic and spray paint on canvas.
Exploring the Vibrant Art Scene of Toronto
Toronto, a city known for its diversity, culture, and innovation, also boasts a thriving art scene that mesmerizes and captivates art enthusiasts from around the world. From the eclectic streets of Queen West to the polished galleries in Yorkville, Toronto proudly showcases an array of artistic styles and mediums, creating a tapestry of creative expression.
In this bustling metropolis, art takes on many forms. Contemporary galleries showcase thought-provoking installations and avant-garde exhibitions, pushing the boundaries of what is considered art. Street artists transform ordinary walls into remarkable masterpieces, infusing the city with bursts of color and social commentary.
But Toronto's art scene is not just about established institutions; it is also a breeding ground for emerging artists. The city nurtures a supportive environment for up-and-coming creators, providing spaces for experimentation and collaboration. Artist collectives thrive, fostering the fusion of various disciplines and perspectives, resulting in innovative collaborations that push artistic boundaries.
With its diverse population, Toronto's art scene reflects a medley of cultures, traditions, and influences. Indigenous art, reflecting the rich heritage of Canada's First Nations, coexists harmoniously with the vibrant expressions of the city's many immigrant communities. This cultural tapestry weaves stories of resilience, identity, and shared experiences, creating a unique artistic identity that is distinctly Toronto.
Right: 506 North, Currently on display at On 5th Gallery Clifton, Texas.
Late Night Streetcar, is one of the most recent paintings in the Toronto city series of paintings. It was exhibited in 2020 during the quarantine at the Disarray show Oct. 30-Nov.27th. It’s a College Street scene near my first studio in Toronto. The piece sold Nov. 17th 2020
Passenger
3 panels 36x48”
Oil, acrylic and gold leaf on canvas
SOLD
Streets at night
The streets are empty haunted, lonely and full of mystery. The city is my church, at night I pray and wander.
Women
Spring Rain
Mediums and materials bring new challenges and meanings to the work. Silver leaf and gold leaf are very traditional materials. They give a spirituality to the work, a weight that echos from the renaissance.
film explorations
My Mind is Going
Oil and acrylic on canvas
48x60”
Sketches
Sketches are hand drawn using watercolour paint, pencil and ballpoint pen on board.
For pricing information please contact Liss Gallery