Jonathan Forrest (b. 1962) is a Canadian abstract painter celebrated for his bold explorations of color, form, and material. Rooted in the modernist tradition, Forrest’s work draws inspiration from mid-century abstraction while infusing it with a distinctly contemporary energy. His paintings—often composed of layered shapes, gestural marks, and vibrant hues—possess a tactile richness and an improvisational spirit that engages viewers on both visual and emotional levels.

Born in Edinburgh and raised in Saskatchewan, Forrest studied under notable Canadian artists and has maintained a deep connection to the prairies, where he continues to live and work. His abstract language is shaped by a fascination with the physical properties of paint and surface, leading to dynamic compositions that balance spontaneity with deliberate structure.

Forrest’s work is held in numerous public and private collections, including the Canada Council Art Bank and the University of Saskatchewan. He has exhibited widely across Canada and internationally, and his pieces are particularly admired for their joyous embrace of color and their confident, evolving engagement with the legacy of abstraction.