Artist Johnny Jonas has three blank canvases in his Cullompton studio, upon which he hopes to capture the spirit of three Westcountry entrepreneurs or business executives who pledge a – generous, it is hoped – sum to charity. Catherine Barnes reports.

Johnny Jonas credits a former City career as the foundation stone for his commercial success as an artist, which has most recently seen execute a commission to paint the Prime Minister.

Now, Johnny, who has also captured the Queen Mother, Stirling Moss, Bear Grylls, Stock Market legend Brian Winterflood, countless City professionals and celebrities, as well as undertake corporate commissions from business giants including Virgin Atlantic, is focused on "giving something back," as he reflects upon what he has achieved.

He is offering Western Morning News business readers the opportunity to pledge a sum to their favourite good cause, in return for a sitting from which he will paint their likeness. The three top bidders will be visited by Johnny in the location of their choice.

He urges those who commit a sum each year to charitable giving to seize the moment, saying: "I think people hesitate too long to commission a portrait, waiting for that special moment or the winning goal in life. As the saying goes, false steps are taken, standing still."

Johnny's most recent subject was David Cameron, whose portrait was commissioned by the historic London Conservative stamping ground, the Carlton Club. The painting, which was unveiled in December, captures the PM striding purposefully across the road from Number 10.

Despite a passion for art, Johnny left school to work in aviation insurance at Lloyd's of London, before what he describes as a "lucky break" at the age of 24. The commission he earned enabled him to finance a place at the Fine Arts Academy in Florence and become, in his words, "the artist I always wanted to be."

Following his studies, he began his new career in Carrara, the Tuscany city which derives much of its wealth from the marble-quarrying industry. This location he says, proved "very good for business," seeing him commissioned to paint local landscapes, miners at work and the quarry-owners who had amassed great wealth.

During his 12 years on the continent he moved on towards Monte Carlo and the border of the French Riviera, launching exhibitions of his backstage forays into couture fashion shows, the opera, cabaret and classic car events, as well as executing private and corporate commissions.

Then, after returning to the UK in 1984, "a chance invitation" saw Johnny become "hooked on horses." Through this new avenue, Johnny became acquainted with "voice of racing" Sir Peter O'Sullevan, who asked him to paint a head and shoulders portrait of the winner of the Lifetime Contribution to Racing award which is presented annually at his charitable trust's annual lunch at the Savoy.

Johnny has continued to paint the winner's portrait annually, with Dick Francis, the Aga Khan and legendary Red Rum trainer Ginger McCain among his subjects.

His passion for vintage cars has also led to commissions both from private owners and the motor industry. He was asked by Toyota to mark the 25th anniversary of its importing into the UK, which coincided with the launch of the XR2.

Johnny credits his Lloyd's background for the networking opportunities it opened up, as well as the acumen that has enabled him to create a profitable revenue stream from his vocation.

He says: "I needed to run my business and also understand what makes people tick at different speeds. You have to accommodate all sorts of characters."

During his career, he has been flown to some of the world's most exotic locations as part of a commission to paint a calendar for Virgin Atlantic and painted Richard Branson's Blue Ribband-winning Challenger 11 during its construction in Lowestoft. "It's a very private record of it," he says. "Nearly all of these kinds of projects are seen in their final, polished version, with heroes to the fore. This was a very touching commission."

Johnny's studies have also included a canvas commissioned by Eurotunnel, depicting the assembly of the project's main drill by its engineers. And, famous for bringing canvases worth millions under the hammer, auction house Bonhams asked Johnny to capture a day in the life of its salesroom, to hang in its own offices.

Johnny, who relocated from Kent to Devon in 2004, says that his great joy has been to meet so many people from such different walks of life, saying: "It's been a privilege; learning different philosophies and values and seeing life in a different way."

Captured on canvas

Johnny Jonas is offering three Westcountry based businesses or executives the opportunity to commission a head and shoulders portrait of themselves. The finished portrait will be oil on canvas, and measure approximately 20ins x 16ins.

He is inviting 'sealed bids' detailing the charity to which the donation will be given.

The three successful bidders should also be happy for inclusion in a future edition of the Western Morning News, in which a spotlight will be shone upon the portraits and the business stories behind them.

Entries are invited until the end of February. To submit a sealed bid, or for further information, email jonas portraits@gmail.com. More of Johnny's work can be seen at www.johnnyjonas.com