referrals
Walter . For Jeff & Kim Harris . Santa Barbara, California
referrals . I have worked with Jon on a lot of different projects through the years and it’s his incredible passion, energy and positivity that makes regular projects fun and seemingly impossible projects possible. In a world of uncertainty one person I know I can count on is Jon, thank you for all the years of being there . Jeff Harris, Creative Director . Buffalo Brothers Studios
George . For Jeff & Kim Harris . Santa Barbara, California
referrals . Hi Jon! You can only publish if you bring Lil Jack to visit soon ;)
Jon is such a creative talent who will WOW you with his work… whether he is shooting photography where he captures the naturalness and the beauty with his lens, or creating fine art where a simple wave painting tells you so much of an ocean story, or a Weathered Walls design that is truly unique and exceptional. He’s one meticulous guy, perfectionist at heart and it doesn’t hurt that he has a magnetic, energetic, and easy going personality that makes it so enjoyable to work together. Kim Harris . Santa Barbara
Kendra . Album cover photography for singer / songwriter Antoine Allain . Santa Barbara, California
referrals . Working with Jon is such a rad all around experience. First and most importantly, the results always come out even better than you expected they would! He has the eye that really catches the best parts and most intimate details of whatever he is shooting or painting. He’s a true and passionate artist with his crafts and the work speaks for itself. Secondly, the positivity of Jon’s energy is second to none. You always feel this genuinely fun vibe and comfort in the air while working with him. It feels like you are just having a great day with a really cool person while being super productive at the same time. Can’t wait to work on other projects together! . Antoine Allain . Santa Barbara
The Dubach’s family portrait . Santa Barbara, California
referrals . I have known Jon for a very long time, 40 plus years, as a fellow rider and racer I would see at the motocross track. It wasn’t until about fifteen years ago that I really started to understand how gifted he was outside his motorcycle racing skills. One thing led to another and he came down and did a faux finish on an office desk for my wife. The effort and attention to detail that he put into that project was amazing. It turned out great and still is to this day. The next chapter of Jon’s skills that we discovered was when he and my wife organized a family photo shoot of us in the Santa Barbara Mountains. Again, a fabulous job by Jon, not to mention the fun our family had on our photographic adventure with him. That was about ten years ago and one of those photos that is still the screensaver on my wife’s computer. Still to this day, me or anyone in my family is greeted with a big smile and a warm welcome anytime we see Jon.. a man of many talents and a great friend! Doug, Gina, Rylee, Averee and Carter Dubach . Tustin, California
Victoria . Santa Barbara, California
referrals . I had the opportunity to have a photo shoot for my kids with Jon Ortner. We had an incredible experience and the results were beyond expectations! Jon made it so easy, fun, natural (which is not easy with little ones) and it reflected in the photos! I highly recommend him! Thank you again Jon, thanks to you I got the best pictures of my kids & beautiful memories :)) Stephanie Haak . Santa Barbara, California
Pasha Panterra Family . Los Angeles, California
referrals . Jon is the best lifestyle photographer I have ever met! We have Jon capture our special memories with photography of our pregnancy stages, baby pictures, birthdays and many more family events that we have. Without his talent we wouldn’t have these artistic photographs capturing our emotions and the best sides of us. We are so happy to have such special images.. thank you, Jon!! Noemi & Pasha Pantera . Los Angeles
The Spaccarelli Residence . Simi Valley, California
referrals . When we have a creative paint project that involves color and art, for us there is one person to call, Jon Ortner. His range and talents are incredible! If we want a space in one of our homes to stand out and make a statement, Jon blends colors that are so unique that the character of the room becomes a center of attention. Long after friends have visited, the room is a topic of conversations. Alternatively, when we wished for a calming space for our bedroom, Jon infused colors that are my wife’s favorites, reminding her of growing up in Peru. It doesn’t get much better to be surrounded by those memories and great feelings with those beautiful accents of color. At the center of our main downstairs family room wall is a one of a kind art piece from Jon we had the pleasure to discover at one of his art openings.. it was also a one of a kind evening when we bought it! From Los Angeles, a good friend of ours flew us into Santa Barbara for Jon’s art show at Roy. We shared a drink with Jon, purchased the art and celebrated with a walk to the local cigar shop.. we don’t even smoke! We played chess with Jon and chatted with the locals late into the evening. We always have the memory of that great night, every time we view his art. We look forward to more experiences like that! We have been blessed to know Jon, the great space he has created for us, the wonderful art piece and the special memories. Myan & Viviana Spaccarelli . Simi Valley, California
Ilene Hancey Residence . Santa Barbara, California
referrals . Art is a small word with a big meaning. It’s talent, wisdom, dedication, passion and color coming together with the right tool at the right moment. With each brushstroke and click of his camera, Jon fuses those attributes together in perfect and wondrous harmony. His artistic talent blends with the richness of a life well lived and that translates into art that is both beautiful and inspiring. As a surfer, I cherish Zen-like moments on the water and wanted to capture that harmonious and magical - yet elusive juncture - when a calm sea and sky seemingly intertwine in shades of gray. Jon understood my vision and created a dining room mural that beautifully reflects that sense of pecefulness and our shared love of the ocean. I am forever grateful.
Trevor & Alexis Oakley engagement . Montecito, California
referrals . I have had the privilege of seeing Jon’s work in action during motorcycle trips over the years and have always been blown away by how incredible the photographs are. My fiancé and I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Jon for a photoshoot recently and were excited to have engagement photos taken for our ‘Save the Date’ invitations. Naturally, Jon was the first person who came to mind. Our experience with Jon was amazing! Jon has a very fun, passionate, and easy-going approach to capturing that perfect moment. Thank you, Jon for the incredible photos and wonderful experience! . Trevor and Alexis . Santa Barbara
Ken Symer . Leading the way aboard his favored BMW Adventurer crossing the Californian Carrizo Plains, rolling with his own brand of moxy & swagger!
referrals . Jon.. in our many years, actually since 1980, of friendship you have always been a positive person who can find the best in any situation. You also have a unique ability to break down and understand many difficulties whether it be your race craft, art, photography, or simply making your art studio more “user friendly”. It doesn’t seem long ago that you immersed yourself in photography and your history as an artist shows in all of your fantastic images. Along the way we have had a great relationship and it was an honor and privilege to attend the Big6 GP/ AMA National Grand Prix Championship races with you in 2022. Congratulations on your two class Championships! The friendship and support you have sent my way is truly appreciated and valued. Can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings! Ken Symer . Santa Barbara
Fast Eddie Castro . Ventura Speedway . Ventura, California
referrals . As a rider, Jon Ortner has a different perspective on race photography.. his shots bring you into the action!! Eddie Castro . Ojai, California
Shilo . For David Rogers . Bakersfield, California
referrals . I have known Jon for nearly 40 years now. He’s a unique person that always does the right thing when it comes to dealing with people. He is liked and trusted by everybody, except the guys that he is racing, as he is in first place most of the time! Back in the 1980s, my wife and I invested in several oil paintings by his famous mother, internationally renowned fine artist, muralist and art teacher, Joyce Ortner. To this day, her beautiful art looks amazing in my home. Jon approaches art with more of an impressionistic style, painting a life size piece for me of my dog, Shilo. Over the years, Jon and I have ridden a lot of motocross together and his approach to accuracy and control has always helped me take better lines and safely approach the bigger jumps. He has a special ability to build confidence in people and what they are doing. Jon surfs, races dirt bikes, paints and a host of other skills. You will always be pleased with any engagement you have with Jon. David Rogers . Bakersfield, California
Jon Ortner . A life-size triptych art piece commemorating Val Tamietti’s 1980 magazine cover shot for Maico Motorcycles . Glendora, California . Photograph by Debbi Tamietti
referrals . Being a professional motocross photographer myself, Jon’s style on a motorcycle made him a welcome subject of my lens. I met Jon at a motocross race knowing much about his riding style, but nothing about his artistic talents. Soon after knowing about his artistic talents I commissioned Jon to paint a lifesize 9’ x 12’ triptych oil painting art piece of my husband on a dirt bike, a magazine cover shot from thirty years ago that had always had an important sentimental memory for us. The art piece Jon painted is stunning and everything I had hoped it would be, and more.
Since then, he has hand painted beautiful faux finished walls for us in our game room, and countless art pieces and walls for acquaintances of ours.....amazing work!!
As you can see on his website, if you’re looking for quality art, faux finishes and weathered walls, or any kind of photography, Jon Ortner Art is a great place to look. Debbie & Val Tamietti . Glendora, California
Trailblazer Legends . Pete Brown, Paul Ashford and Jimmy Mac . Los Angeles, California
referrals . Yo Jon: What can’t you do? Artist, photographer, writer, fast guy, surfer. And you’re handsome too. I hate guys like that! It makes the rest of us look so bad.
I really loved your story. You capture the event and overall feeling of motocross really well. Your story is way better than the stuff that is usually in a race program.
I’m bummed that the Hopetown Reunion is on the same day (Sunday) as the World Vet. The Hopetown event is fun, but I can’t miss the World Vet.
Thanks for thinking of me and sending the article. I’ll see you race weekend.
All the best,
Jimmy Mac . Somis, California
Fabrice Allain . International DJ / Chef and Mixologist / Surf Consultant & Coach . Santa Barbara, California and El Zonte, El Salvador
referrals . With my business as a professional DJ in the hospitality and entertainment industry in France and California for the past thirty-five years, I have a lot of friends who are professional photographers. I can say that since I have met Jon and have come to know both his art and photography, Jon is above and beyond any expectations you can have for your event photography. Look no further, he is the guy, the whole package.. he has that special eye which will capture the moments that you didn’t know existed! Just check his website and you will understand why I put him on a such a high pedestal. Fabrice Allain . Santa Barbara
Art for Owin Wright . Water-Borne Pigments on Panel . 36” x 80” . Los Angeles, California
referrals . Through art, honoring the 1970s and the groovy vibe a lot of us felt at the historic Indian Dunes Motocross Park
Why Art? It’s been a simple question for over ten thousand years. From the drawings in Altamira to Lisa del Giocondo’s smile… human hands have sought to create, express and communicate across the ages. These expressions remain, long after the creator has passed. The communication travels across time, nearly without limit.
But, why do we do it? Perhaps the answer is equally simple… because our lives matter.
So much of our time is spent maintaining life. We tend to the basics required to keep afloat and sailing forward. We toil to complete the tasks assigned us. They are an endless stream that began the day we were born. This stream will not abate until the day we die.
Now, if this was all there is to life, it would be a sad tale indeed. However, across the ages we are given to know there is more… much more. Of course, the maintenance of life is the first charge of any living entity. But the human condition comes with an additional responsibility, not known to incumber other biologies. We must have a conscious reason to maintain our lives, beyond mere reproductive existence. In other words, there is “what we do” to sustain life, and amazingly, there must be a “why” we do it.
No doubt, we need the ‘why’ as much as the ‘what’, if we are to attain a state of temporal contentment. This observation is not new. Over two thousand years ago Socrates, father of western philosophy, suggested “The unexamined life is not worth living”.
The answer to the question ‘why’ often reveals itself as some form of creation. Each creation is an experience. Our lives are a compilation of experiences, most of which we have purposefully designed. Therein may be found the meaning we give, almost as a gift, to ourselves. Here is where art is born.
In each person’s life there are elements and occasions of profound significance. There are things we’ve done, places we have been, people we’ve known and objects we’ve acquired that inexorably enhance our reality. These things can be captured by the artist and rendered as a testament of foundational meaning. It’s why we hang photos on the wall and wear souvenir T-shirts. But there can be much more…
Your humble narrator is one of those bothersome people that requires foundational purpose in the elements that make up who I am. Like most, I catalogue the positives, while trying to learn from inevitable mistakes. It has not all been sunshine and roses. Some years ago I was beset by an ordeal, the kind fate delights in handing out. It was serious. They don’t get more so… The details are not important here, but the effect is, and with utmost sincerity.
These circumstances of fate impelled me to face the historical essence of my life, every second I might recall. From this evolved the need to express what I found in some tangible way. Fate was not then generous with the time I had to do this. But where to begin, beyond what I was already doing?
Enter the Artist.
Originally, I had known Jon Ortner as a prominent veteran southern California motocross racer. That’s an understatement. A former pro from the 1980s, his status today is one of renown. Racing dirt bikes is not for everyone and competing in age brackets of 40s, 50s and 60s is definitely not a crowded pastime. People who do it are for real. Motocross is addictively thrilling to participate in, exciting to watch, and considered one of the original “extreme sports”. The community that competes regularly is relatively small, and among these the really fast are well known. Jon Ortner is one of the fastest vet racers around, locally and nationally. He’s been doing this a long time, with many championships that speak for his talent. He is also an artist.
I’d seen his work in race programs, event promotions, and at one of the finest motocross motorcycle museums in the United States. I’d never spoken to him before, only watched him racing other elite experts at impossible speeds. Then fate played its hand. Soon after I sought out the racer, to speak with the artist.
I approached Jon at the track one race day, with an old photograph from 1976. A picture of me ridding my first dirt bike, it’s pretty much the only one I have from back-in-the-day. Motocross racing is my chosen passion outside of a teaching career. I’ve become utterly dedicated to it. This photo meant the world to me. It represents where it all began, so I asked if he could paint the image in his style. This painting was the first step in keeping a promise I made to myself…. To live in active appreciation and expression of life. The goal was to refine this expression to the greatest extent possible. I shared with Jon that I sought to bring peak experience to living art. The finished work would act as a reminder to inspire what needs to be in every minute of each day. Could he help me keep my promise? Turns out, fate was now a friend. This was exactly the kind of work he looks for. Being a long-time major player in motocross racing, he immediately understood what the old photograph meant to me. Being an accomplished, lifelong artist, he’s developed a singular style of color and visual texture that brings a cherished moment, image, or idea to life on canvas. This first commission is now a treasured heirloom.
Over the next 2 years, I brought several more commissions to Jon. Each was born from the central idea of capturing some epic moment in a life's history. The first two were depictions from my own adventures, motocross and mountaineering in my youth. Another was a gift for a dear friend. Each rendition yields a singularly intense moment, snatched from the flow of time, made solid and still by the artists’ considered hand. The reward is a portrait replete with inspirational meaning, well beyond words I might offer here. Over these past few years I have become one of Jon Ortner's’ dedicated clients. Investments in his work fulfill the promise I made.
Fate travels in many directions. When I learned that Jon could be scheduled for private motocross lessons, well… it took about 9 seconds to make that call. My thirty years of classroom teaching allows for a keen perspective on the value of one-on-one instruction in a given subject. Under the guidance of a skilled and philosophically committed mentor, the student can make extraordinary advancement. In that motocross is my dedicated pass-time, improvements in skill and safety under Jon’s guidance are priceless. As I logged instructional time on the track, I became impressed with his renaissance approach to student growth. This includes direction in physical training and conditioning, diet, and focus on developing an aggressive respect for life as a motorcycle competitor. Looking back, I took about 5 seconds too long to make that call.
Today, as well as instructor and artist, most importantly Jon is a great friend. Recently I spoke with him about another commission. This one was different…
All previous work had been envisioned to capture moments of great accomplishment and happy adventure. The viewer is reminded of rewards found in living life with spirit, strength and commitment to positive goals. In his now-familiar studio workshop, I was somewhat hesitant to describe the nature of this new request. The subject was personal, a matter of the heart. I wanted a portrait of a lady from my past. This was a thing I had kept to myself for over 30 years. This girl had an effect on my life beyond anything I’ve ever understood. It was something I just learned to live with. The ordeal from some years back brought her memory forward. I needed his help to honor the reflection of a young woman that I could hardly talk about, let alone describe. Had I wandered out of his wheel-house? All I had for him to work from was a couple of old photographs. To my great good fortune, he accepted the commission. Some time later, I had the portrait. As with all his previous work, I was profoundly moved by its impact. Given the unique nature of this subject, the effect was only magnitudes greater. Jon had worked his magic. Her island beauty was there on canvas, reflected as intensely as her living presence in my memory. One would indeed honor the other.
Our lives matter. We must decide what gives them meaning. The moments which define our lives also create memory. Our memories light the path to our future. Trust the Artist to capture the moment. Frame it on the wall, and behold the life we give ourselves… The wisdom to remember where we’ve come from, and the joy to move forward. Owin Wright . Los Angeles
Art for Owin Wright . A portrait of love that lost, back in the 1980s, with this art honoring the bittersweet . Los Angeles, California
referrals . Text exchange from Jon: “Hi Owin! I have been tuning on my welcome page over the Thanksgiving holiday.. just finished another edit. Meanwhile, I reread your incredible referral that you so painstakingly wrote. Man.. a thousand thank you (s) for your incredibly considerate and thoughtful penmanship!!” Return message from Owin: Thanks so much for the complements, Jon. But simple truth is I was just being genuine. Hard to convey the good your art, guidance and friendship have done for me during my struggles over the last few years. I read your welcome cover a few days ago. I’ll check it out again today. Really enjoy the combined elements of racing and family/friends you relate. Not too many Renaissance men around these days, my friend. You are certainly a chief among them.
CONTACT . jon ortner art & photography . email: jon@jonortnerart.com . phone: 805.895.5390 . instagram: @jonortner