Today we’d like to introduce you to Jabez Shepherd.
Hi Jabez, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Art has always been in my blood—literally. I’m a third-generation artist in my family. My grandfather was an artist, my dad was an artist, and in many ways, I feel like art chose me before I even knew how to choose it. My grandfather still has the very first painting I ever made hanging in his living room. I created it before I could even walk.
Growing up, art was my constant. In elementary school, I was always drawing—on scrap paper, in journals, or in my sketchbook. That sketchbook felt like a part of me. I remember in kindergarten, there was this one kid who used to draw Superman in a way I really liked. Every day, I’d ask him to draw something for me—and so did every other kid. One day he finally said, “I’m not drawing for anyone anymore.” That moment shifted something in me. I started drawing for myself, whatever came to mind—something I saw on TV, something from my imagination. Adults around me would always say I was gifted. I even made my own toys using paper, cardboard, and craft materials—creating whole little worlds with my hands.
In high school, I began to take my art more seriously. I attended Suitland High School in Forestville, Maryland, where I was part of the Visual and Performing Arts program. That’s where I learned the fundamentals—like the elements and principles of art—that still guide my work today. I’ll never forget Mr. Burroughs, my painting and drawing teacher, telling me to “look at my work holistically.” It changed the way I see everything I create. One thing I really loved during that time was critique—getting honest feedback and learning how to push my work further.
After high school, I went on to study at the Delaware College of Art and Design, where I began my journey with oil painting. That’s where my colorful, realistic style started to take shape. Now, I’m continuing my path at Towson University, majoring in Fine Arts and Art Education. I’m still developing my artistic voice and vision, but the journey has been one I truly love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I faced—like a lot of people—was when the pandemic hit during my senior year of high school. It changed everything. I hit a major creative block. For about four months, I didn’t pick up a pencil or paintbrush at all. That was hard for me because art had always been my escape, my safe space. But in that moment, I started questioning everything—even whether I still wanted to go to college or pursue art professionally.
It was a time of uncertainty, not just in the world but in myself. I felt stuck. But deep down, I knew art was more than just a hobby—it was my calling. That quiet season helped me realize how much I needed art in my life, and it gave me the push to move forward with purpose, even when I didn’t have all the answers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At its core, my art has always been about introspection and reflection—both looking within myself and capturing the beauty and complexity of others. While I’m still discovering the next direction for my voice, the heart of my work consistently revolves around the human experience and the emotional stories we carry.
Many of my pieces are deeply introspective—rooted in self-reflection, personal growth, and my spiritual journey. I use my art as a way to process my experiences, my identity, and my relationship with God. Those self-portraits and reflective works are some of the most meaningful pieces I’ve created because they come from an honest, vulnerable place.
Alongside my introspective work, I’ve also created a number of portraits of women. I’m drawn to their expressions, emotions, and presence. These pieces often explore beauty, softness, and quiet strength, and while they may be lighter in theme than my self-reflective paintings, they still carry emotional weight. My goal is always to capture what feels real—whether it’s a glimpse of someone’s inner world or just a passing moment of expression.
I specialize in portraiture. Capturing facial expressions, gestures, and emotion is my focal point. I believe a facial expression can say what words cannot—sometimes a single glance can carry a thousand emotions. That’s something I always aim to bring into my work.
My style blends realism with expressive, vibrant color. I often incorporate geometric shapes or graphic design elements in the background—symbols of structure and simplicity that contrast with the emotional depth of the human face. There’s a kind of duality in my work: complexity vs. simplicity, emotion vs. design, reality vs. imagination.
I put a lot of intention into composition. I plan out my paintings carefully, considering color harmonies, balance, and how each piece will emotionally speak to the viewer. My color choices aren’t just aesthetic—they’re part of the storytelling.
What I’m most proud of is how my work continues to evolve. I still believe I haven’t scratched the surface of what I’m capable of. But that hunger to grow—that drive to connect on a deeper level—is what keeps me creating.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The biggest piece of advice I’d give is to believe in yourself—seriously. You have to be your first supporter before anyone else will be. Stay consistent, even when the results aren’t instant. Growth takes time, and so does finding your voice.
Also, don’t be afraid of criticism. Some of it will help you grow, and some of it you’ll need to ignore—but either way, you can’t let it stop you. Make art that’s meaningful to you. Not everything has to be deep or perfect, but it should be honest. If it comes from a real place, it’ll connect with the right people.
And don’t rush the process. You’ll learn so much along the way if you stay open, stay curious, and stay true to yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jabezshepherd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jabez_the_artist/
