#PaperDiorama

This is a collection of box frame artworks that push beyond my traditional flat surfaces of paper or canvas. Paper dioramas, paper cuts or cutout paintings… i’m not always sure how to describe them!

What they all have in common are layers of painted detail raised from background; creating a theatrical effect and a playful sense of artificial depth. These experiments with cut paper are sometimes delicate… always intricate… and hopefully provide a unique take on what often are well known buildings and monuments.

The Oliver St John Gogarty

I do like a good pub facade! Usually traditional in architecture terms but often eclectic in the way they are decorated. The use of hanging baskets and flags in this pub from Ireland was always going to catch my eye. ‘The Oliver St John ...

The Palace Bar, Dublin (Original Painting with Cut Paper) Illustration by Jonathan Chapman

The Palace Bar Dublin

During our escape to Dublin last month we encountered many distinguished taverns. Every avenue appeared to have a beautifully aged watering hole (or two). We fell into this one with weary feet, having padded the city streets for most of the day. ...

Standing at the Sky's Edge at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman

Standing at The Sky’s Edge @ The Gillian Lynne Theatre

If you've seen any of my artworks before, you'll know just how much I enjoy my building studies. Architecture is a passion, or rather a fascination, as well a focus for many professional projects. But if you were to join me in the studio one ...

Jack Dee Live at the Apollo - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman

Jack Dee Live at the Apollo

Here's a commissioned piece I created back in December. It's an evening study of the Hammersmith Apollo in London. 'Jack Dee Live at the Apollo' was created as a gift, celebrating the comedy series which performed here from 2004 and aired on BBC ...

December 7th, 2022 | #PaperDiorama, Private Commissions

The Science School at Winchester College

A little papercut commission to share with you today; a sweet architectural study of the Science School at Winchester College. It was created with acrylic and ink before cutting out and raising from the background. The building was apparently built ...

October 18th, 2022 | #PaintedCities, #PaperDiorama

Brixton Academy Lightbox

Here's a little paper-cut painting of the Brixton Academy... with a new electric twist. This was a self initiated piece and an excuse to experiment. It also made a nice warm up; as I have a couple of privately commissioned dioramas to work on in ...

Liberty Diorama - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
September 28th, 2022 | #PaintedCities, #PaperDiorama, Studio blog

Liberty Diorama

A little architectural study to share today; 'Liberty Diorama'. I have painted Liberty before but from a more central position. In the traditions of a grand department store it takes up a big chunk of city block on Great Marlborough Street. Pretty ...

September 11th, 2021 | #PaperDiorama, Studio blog

Digital, Paint, Cut-out!

A couple of small Winchester studies to share with you. Another little cinema cutout and a shopfront study. It is something I like to do between larger canvases and commercial projects (if there’s time of course!). The smaller scale allows me to ...

Black Books - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
November 24th, 2020 | #PaperDiorama, Studio blog

Black Books

Here’s one from the fictional world! If you’re a fan of sitcoms Black Books may be up there on a list of favourites. It has certainly been one of mine! This little study features the shop front as it is dressed for the show. The exterior was ...

Screen on the Green - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
October 16th, 2020 | #PaperDiorama, Studio blog

Everyman & Picturehouse Cinemas

Here’s a couple of new cinema studies, not independents but London movie theatres with long histories. I’m sharing these as the news settles regarding the (hopefully temporary) closure of Picturehouse cinemas. A lot of cinemas have attempted to ...

Books & Catalogues - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
Books & Catalogues - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
Books & Catalogues - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
Books & Catalogues - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
Books & Catalogues - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
Books & Catalogues - Illustration by Jonathan Chapman
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