Jur's Statement:
" I would classify my paintings as photo-realism, although I strive to evoke the underlying soul of my subject and develop a three dimensional depth not found in photography.

My paintings are a synthesis of historical and contemporary visual stimuli; the dramatic contrast of light and dark (tenebrism), and Classical interest in the human form of the Late Renaissance coupled with a modern compositional approach that stimulates the viewer to personally respond to the image.

I have limited my palette to black and white because I want to emphasize the infinite tonal range in a clean and evocative fashion. This comes from my graphite renderings as well as the way oriental sumi ink drawings seem to imply color through tonal variation.   I love the fluid response of oil on canvas.  I build up the surface using translucent glazes with a minimum surface texture gradually pulling the light out of the darkness to create form and volume.

Painting is a very personal process.  Although my approach is analytical rather than expressionistic, my personality is involved along with the technical skill of rendering and manipulation of the oil medium.   Hopefully, my work calls out to the natural beauty of life and expresses the optimism I feel toward living."