Internationally acclaimed portrait artist Jay Fortune has a degree in Art and, in a short space of time, has generated a worldwide following. His authentic, original artwork is strikingly powerful, combining brightness and contrast, bringing a subtle yet energised quality to each composition. His sense of fun shines through the graphic dynamic of his work in a smorgasbord of serious play.
Jay began painting at a young age, winning local and national competitions throughout his childhood. His first solo exhibition was staged by his school teachers when he was just 9 years old!
Upon graduating from University, Jay began his career pursuing magic, his other joint love and became one of the UK's busiest and most-requested magicians. During that time, he illustrated numerous books, was published in trade magazines and continued to draw and sketch in his free time.
After nigh-on two decades as a successful professional magician, Jay 40 years young in October 2018 and made the decision to leave the performing profession to concentrate on his art.
Since turning pro as an artist, he has sold work across the globe, including collectors in New York, Las Vegas, Milan, L.A, Paris, Cape Town and London. He is demand as a commissionable artist and continues to create original works in his unique graphic style.
Jay collaborates with celebrities to create original official portraits, many of which are counter-signed by the celebrity. Recent portraits include Uri Gellar ('Jay, you are a very talented artist') Derren Brown ('wow, Jay, Love it!'), Samantha Fox and Penn & Teller.
He has been commissioned by CEOs and publishers to produce limited edition prints of his portraiture. He has released limited edition prints in collaboration with global brands, estates of icons and industry stars.
Jay is also a published author with his psychological thriller novels available from all good bookshops. In a previous career, he worked as a magician consulting on magic programmes for BBC, ITV, C4 and Sky, hosted his own radio breakfast and drive time shows across London and once was blessed by 'Del-Boy' on the set of Only Fools & Horses!
'Jay, you're an amazingly talented artist and I love my painting!' - Samantha Fox
'Our very own Nelson Mandela portrait has arrived. It has the centre place in our hearts now. Jay's magic brush has captured the essence and heart of a great man. We are honoured to be the stewards of this fabulous memory of one so great. Thanks You,' - René Carayol MBE
'Jay Fortune's fine art is vibrant, exciting and modern. He has a well-honed eye for detail and exceptional talent for rendering the human form. I can see why he is in high demand with collectors worldwide and I am a huge fan of his work.' - Sir Eric Peacock