Otis Jones (American, b.1946)

Paintings

Who is painter Otis Jones?

Otis Jones is an American painter whose monochromatic paintings have led art critics to define Jone’s aesthetic as “Texas Minimalism.” At times visceral, playful, and natural, Jones has defined himself as an artist by bucking trends and adhering to the rugged code of individualism that seems to define the term Texan in popular culture. Jones has stated in interviews that he’s, “interested in objects, patina, wear, and age.” His canvasses are typically rough cut, irregular, and look extremely handmade.

Jones is an extremely decorated artist, no small feat for someone who spends the majority of his time away from the art establishment in New York. He was the 1982 recipient of the prestigious Visual Arts Fellowship from the NEA. He has taught art at Texas Christian University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas Arlington. His pieces can be found in several prominent collections including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Straus Gallery, and the American Airlines Art Museum in Dallas.

What kind of art does Otis Jones make?

Otis Jones makes minimalist paintings, either with oil on canvas or with found objects. Most recently, he’s gained prominence for his “Object Paintings” which consist of several sheets of plywood, bound thickly together and then covered by canvas and painted. They are somewhere between a sculpture and a painting -- this ambiguity serves the work well. Jones paints them in muted tones to give the look and feel of natural objects, rocks, driftwood, and the like. Jones’ aesthetic comes from his intense desire for objects -- not ideas. “I trust notions, urges, and passions,” the artist states. His pieces often form on the fly, free of the constraints of a plan or a preconceived notion.

How did painter Otis Jones get started?

Born in Galveston, Texas in 1945, Jones seemed to be instantly inspired by the landscape around him. From an early age, Jones was a student of art history -- studying earnestly for a Masters while receiving a BFA from Kansas State University. Not content with his schooling, Jones followed this with graduate courses in Montana before returning full-time to school and receiving an MFA from the University of Oklahoma in the late 1970s. After school, Jones eschewed a move to New York City to return to his beloved state of Texas. He’s lived, worked, and taught there ever since. In 1982, Jones’ work was honored with a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. It was then that critics and writers began to note Jones’ work, coining the term “Texas Minimalism” to describe the artist’s unique aesthetic.

How much are Otis Jones paintings worth?

Jones paintings are valued by the Texas art world and as such are worth between a few thousand dollars on the low end to over $12,000 on the high end. The most ever paid at auction for an Otis Jones painting is $12,500 for the piece White Shape with Two Circles, one Silver (2016) which sold on November 16th, 2018. This was over $4,000 more than the high estimate. Jones is still active and producing vital pieces, meaning that his auction history should grow significantly in the coming years.

Where to buy Otis Jones paintings for sale?

See works for sale below. Why buy from Heritage? Art buyers feel confident because our experts know the market and put careful valuations on the artwork for sale. We make the bidding process easier to help you expand your art collection.

How to value Otis Jones paintings?

The best way to value art is to compare past auction prices for similar works. View past sale prices below. When you’re ready to sell, contact Heritage Auctions to request an auction estimate of the likely selling price at auction. If you need a formal written appraisal for estate planning or insurance, please contact our Appraisal Services department.