Pictures portray a thousand words. However, in this case, pure emotion and decadence escapes its window. Australian born painter Jason Swain brings to life any painting with just the sweep of his brush.  For years, his divine talent, passion and drive have taken art to another level.  Beyond the detailed lines and symbolic impressions, each portrait represents something different.  Surpassing many obstacles, Swain continues to set standards and evolve into a more inclined artist.
Life has been full of surprises and filled with adventure for this multi-faceted artist.  Growing up amidst the Outback wildlife and an abundance of beautiful scenery, in South East Queensland (of Australia), Swain developed an artistic eye at an early age.  Adopting the natural born artistic talents of his family, he learned the art of mixing colors and drawing by watching his mother.  Embracing art came easy because it was the only thing he could focus on, which applied some reprieve to his Attention Deficit. 
Thirteen years ago, Swain found himself in San Diego, brushing up ideas and concepts of painting with another Australian born artist Robert Hagan (one of Australia’s impressionist artists).  It was not until this meeting that Swain hadn’t taken painting seriously. For years, portraits boggled his mind as he tried to incorporate photos into paintings. Finally, all of the secrets were out of the bag.  “He really showed me the nuts and bolts that goes into a painting”, Swain explained in an interview.  It took patience and experience to learn the craft of creating human portraits. He learned to pay more attention to detail and somewhat read in between the lines of a picture versus create a duplicate (hence, developing an eye for the impressionistic style of art).
Swain’s earlier work consisted of pet portraits. When opening the door to Human subjects, intimidation set in, because (undeniably) pets were more “forgiving than human subjects”.  All of Swain’s paintings derive from a series of photos, but seeing his subjects in person is helpful because their mannerism unfolds and certain aspects differ from those in photos. Among many of his portrait paintings, the most admirable of his collection is the Steve Irwin portrait he painted a few years ago. As a neighboring Australian (from the same area as Swain), Irwin always honored and represented (to the fullest) his fellow natives.  Of all Swain’s work, this particular portrait brought the most gratification.
Unfortunately, along with any great fortune comes great dismay, whether experienced earlier or later down the road of your career.  Swain has had his fair share of disappointment. In the loss of Washington Redskins Safety, Sean Taylor, Swain painted a 6 foot montage in honor of the Safety.  The painting brought light to Taylor’s career, from his time spent with the University of Miami through the 3 ½ years he spent with the Redskins.  After approximately 200 hours of work, the painting was contributed to an art exhibition at the Children’s National Medical Center (prior to finishing the painting Swain had committed himself to the deal).  As it hung, much attention and respect had been paid to the portrait, including that of a group of visiting Redskin’s players (particularly, Santana Moss, who wanted to purchase three copies and the VP for community and charitable programs, Betti-Jo “BJ” Corriveau, who wanted to have the portrait donated to the Fed-Ex Field stadium).  Acknowledgment of the painting was incredible until prices were quoted; then things became a little disheartening.  When quoted a price of $20,000 for the 6 foot painting, the VP of community and charitable programs replied with an email stating the Redskin and NFL logo had to be removed.  In attempts to avoid all legal action against him, Swain consulted an intellectual property lawyer and took the painting off the market. 
Despite the many hurdles Swain has encountered as an artist, his work is constantly taking new forms. Not only does Swain create portraits of people and animals but he does chainsaw carvings (sculptures carved from wood). In March of this year, he was commissioned by the Town of Kensington to carve a Bald Eagle out of two ton of Red Oak; this meant a lot to Swain. The sculpture (standing in a small park on Connecticut Ave.) was built as a memorial for all military branches and a special dedication from Swain to his 12 year old niece, who had passed three months before.  Aside from the fact Swain explains that there isn’t a derivation of emotion or feeling reflected in his paintings, there is a wide variety of subject matter and meaning that goes into his art work. 
Continuing to strive towards victory, Swain has incorporated a new technique into his business plan.  He is now working on a series of sports paintings. “Nothing shows more raw emotion than sports, so the composition is right there for you”, Swain explained. He plans to have these paintings displayed at the Velocity Five Sports bars (thanks to bar owner, Jim Speros). His work is also displayed on his website www.jjswain.com and he is also, searchable on www.Youtube.com. With the help of his agent, Shannon (who resides in Oklahoma), no longer will his paintings speak for themselves. She helps to incorporate a story line, following the painting from start to finish; illustrating the journey of Swain’s artwork (can be viewed on youtube.com).
Jason Swain exemplifies a versatile artist who is on a steady climb to achieve even more, in life. Aside from his artwork (both painting and sculptures), he is an inspiration to both the American and Australian communities.  Swain is a prime example that anything can be achieved; despite, the fight to get there!
Swain was recently commissioned, by a private citizen (who wishes to remain anonymous), to paint a portrait of President-Elect Barack Obama, on an 8x4 canvas. This montage--displaying a mirage of Obama and key historical figures influences—is intended to be displayed in the White House, after Obama’s inauguration.