Portraits with Soul: Garth Glazier’s Jazz-Inspired Illustrations

American artist Garth Glazier brings the energy and spirit of jazz to life in his Summer Jazz Series, a striking collection of portrait illustrations that pays tribute to some of the genre’s most iconic figures. From Ella Fitzgerald’s powerful presence to the quiet intensity of a young Frank Sinatra, Garth taps into the rhythm and mood of each subject with a style that blends expressive linework, flowing shapes and smoky textures.

Garth first explored this unique style years ago with an original set that included musicians like Billy Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Thelonius Monk. This latest iteration of the series began with a commission for Victor Goines’ Woodland Suite album cover in 2023 and evolved into a broader exploration of musical legends.

Pieces like the portrait of James Moody and “Buddy Rich on Fire” channel the raw emotion of live performance, while “Vintage Jimi Hendrix” and “Frank Sinatra Shrouded in Smoke” show off Garth’s flair for character and atmosphere. There’s a certain looseness to the work, brushstrokes that feel as improvised as a good solo, yet the attention to detail keeps things grounded.

If you’d like to see more of Garth Glazier’s incredible creations, take a look at his portfolio on Behance or visit his website.

More illustrations via Behance