Tameside artist transforms local landscapes into messages of hope 

Jonathan Lees, 33, a local artist from Tameside whose detailed oil paintings capture the beauty and mystery of nature, uses his work to inspire those who may be struggling or searching for a new direction. 

Jonathan’s creative work features inspiring landscapes from around Mossley, Greenfield, and surrounding areas across Tameside. The artist explained how he finds the area special because of its “amazing wildlife”, adding how he adores how you can walk for 10 minutes and be in the heart of nature itself. 

Although many may say that Jonathan has a natural talent, he told us that the inspiration to start painting can be considered an accident. Whilst at CGL in Ashton as a recovering addict, he attended an art group where he “felt at peace and like I could make something special”. 

For anyone looking for a new path, Jonathan hopes that his story shows that it’s never too late. He explains that he believes the best thing is to find something that you’re passionate about to “put a huge smile on your face”, whether that be art, a hobby, or a sport. 

Jonathan’s own passion is painting the nature that he sees around him and encourages others to try some form of creativity. Though he admits that a blank canvas can feel intimidating, he says: “You’ve just got to take a leap of faith and go with the flow; have faith in yourself and faith in your ability to constantly learn.” 

The process the artist takes to achieve a completed piece can take weeks or months: he goes into the countryside and tries to capture the beauty of nature, using oil paintings to create multiple layers and create amazing effects, often having 10 to 15 paintings in production at one time. 

He told the Reporter that he aims to create art that “blows people’s minds, maybe gives them hope and direction, especially people who are struggling in life and don’t know which way to go. I want people to look at my art and realise it isn’t too late to make a change.” 

More of Jonathan’s work can be found at jonathandleesart.com