Born in Leicestershire 1922, the son of a smallholder and a mother herself a keen amateur artist. She was a strong influence in the observance and discovery of nature, etc. Educated at Market Bosworth Grammar School, obtained a position at Leicester College of Art at an early age where he came under the guidance and tuition of Dan Watson, an R.W.S. member and fine artist. Here, with his love of true water-colour and the traditional masters to study it was a period of development, of sound composition and a mastering of the difficult medium, long hours in front of nature observing her moods, changing lights, etc.
Jason Partner began publishing greeting cards in the 1960's selling to friends and local farmers. However when he held exhibitions and commissions followed, Jason asked friends and close relatives to take on the card business for him.
In the 1970's Jason was invited to visit the US and Canada by Lord Beaverbrook. Whilst there Jason did demonstrations in the Old English style. He exhibited his work in Boston and Canada and both proved very popular.
He was commissioned to paint for the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, the Duke of Edinburgh and former Prime Minister John Major. During his career he was a prolific artist and was invited to local art groups. Jason would make his demonstrations enjoyable using some witty stories and his great sense of humour. His originals were never overpriced and his clients often bought more than one painting. In April 2005 Jason died aged 82 after a career spanning nearly half a century. Many art lovers and ordinary people mourned his loss. Jason’s legacy was that he was a well loved family man, and an artist whose love of Norfolk came across in his work. His memory will live in each of his paintings and every one has a story to tell.
Exhibitions here and abroad (Canada and USA) have established him as a producer of water-colouring few can attain. His works show a mastery of his craft and are much sought after, both privately and by galleries, where they are considered a sound investment. A book written and illustrated in his own style should appeal to all with an interest in this essentially English way of painting English Art Review 1981.
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