Jolene DuBray is a visual artist known for her evocative explorations of narrative art, emotional depth, transformation, and the tensions between beauty and discomfort. Based in Florida, she holds a BFA from Flagler College and has exhibited her work in numerous solo and group shows throughout the region. Jolene works primarily in oil, watercolor, and book art, drawing inspiration from history, mythology, and folklore to create works weaving narrative and symbolic elements.

Her artistic practice is rooted in a fascination with how human experiences are visually represented. Jolene’s recent work has gravitated towards portraiture to explore emotional vulnerability and healing. This latest body of work is intensely personal, consisting largely of self-portraits that examine the complexities of pain, loss, and recovery. The use of rich, vibrant colors, metallics, and delicate detailing, creates a stunning visual contrast with the visceral and sometimes unsettling elements woven into the composition.

Jolene’s work often plays with dualities: beauty and discomfort, attraction and repulsion, surface and depth. Her paintings are designed to captivate at first glance, using sumptuous textures, intricate patterns, and bold hues, Upon closer inspection, they reveal raw, emotional layers. The juxtaposition of these elements challenges the viewer to confront the hidden wounds beneath the surface and engage with the deeper emotional resonance of the work.

Jolene’s broader body of work includes portraits of other figures that explore similar themes. In these, she continues to use luxurious fabrics, vibrant reds, and metallic tones to highlight the tension between outward beauty and inner turmoil. This contrast is central to her practice, with each piece offering an exploration of how we carry and transform emotional scars into something beautiful.

Beyond her work as a painter, Jolene has a rich background in curating exhibitions and teaching. She has led painting workshops, taught at various studios, and curated shows that delve into the intersection of art, history, and culture. Her teaching and curatorial work have expanded her artistic vision, allowing her to engage with both the creative process and the broader narrative potential of visual art.

Jolene is currently an artist in residence art Solune Coffee in Jacksonville, Florida. As she continues to evolve her practice, Jolene remains dedicated to exploring how art can serve as a vehicle for emotional expression and healing. Her work, whether it be self-reflective portraiture or pieces exploring broader human experiences, invites viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the powerful stories and emotions that lie beneath.