Jonathan Tao is an artist based in Santa Barbara, California, with focus in figurative oil paintings.
info@jonathantao.art
Biography
I started studying art beside my graduate studies in Santa Barbara. It was through Inktober, a monochrome drawing marathon in ink, that I realized the joy of art as a connection to community. So, I decided to continue my artistic study with more seriousness. Prompted by the need for color beyond ink, I started learning how to paint in oil at the Kline Academy of Fine Art in Los Angeles with focus in classical painting and figure studies. After returning from Los Angeles to continue my graduate studies in Santa Barbara, I became active in the art community there, where I helped run a figure drawing club, organized plein air events, and published art in local zines.
Course of Art
Education
Kline Academy of Fine Art, Los Angeles, CA, 2022-2024
Solo Exhibition
“Prompt,” Glass Box Gallery, UC Santa Barbara, 2026
Group Exhibition
“The Nude,” Glass Box Gallery, UC Santa Barbara, 2024
“Santa Barbara Fair & Expo,” Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara, CA, 2025
“Gaucho Gaming Con,” Erwin Pavilion, UC Santa Barbara, 2025
“Bodies of Work,” Glass Box Gallery, UC Santa Barbara, 2024
“Factory Nights,” IV Community Center, Santa Barbara, CA, 2024
Awards
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo Fine Art, 1st & 3rd Place Landscape Ribbon, 2025
Affiliation
California Art Club Associate
Activities
“Love for a Rose’s Thorns,” Gaucho Graphics Zine Publication 2026
“Blooming,” Gaucho Graphics Zine Publication 2025
Inktober 2025
UCSB Figure Drawing Club Officer 2025
Inktober 2024
“Motion Graphics,” Independent zine publication 2024
“The Sea and the Stars,” Gaucho Graphics Zine Publication 2024
“Screw Mag” Second Issue, Zine Publication 2024
Inktober 2023
Inktober 2022
Inktober 2021
Jonathan Tao 