Jason Pransky is a different kind of guy. This Las Vegan, son of friend Morgan St. James, has somewhat of a sixth sense when it comes to knowing about the emotional struggles of others. Jason is an artist who can present original art that somehow helps others fill an emotional void.
Jason also doesn’t mind being the center of attention say, in his job as a server in a Las Vegas high-end steak and seafood restaurant. He will help a table celebrating a birthday by launching into the celebrant’s favorite song.
As an artist, Jason gifts his work to others “just because.” One of his early pieces, a drawing of Drew Barrymore and Marilyn Monroe, was given personally to Drew. When Drew asked how much she owed the artist, he said nothing was owed. He did the drawing as a gift and, as a 19-year-old, added “Thanks for the “A” in art class!”
Jason began drawing as a youngster. “I was not the football player; I was ‘the other guy’,” he says with a grin. He was talented drawing in gray, black and white but he put the artwork on the back burner when he met a girl who needed help financially to finish college and help raising three brothers.
Jason adds also that at 23 he had not lived enough to have much to say with his art; but at 53 he has a great deal more to say, often as a free give-away.
Jason says, “My thing is helping people each day and knowing that each day is a gift.”
Personally, Jason does not take advantage of the “fun” offered by Las Vegas in terms of gambling and drinking. Jason did meet a girlfriend in Las Vegas or otherwise spends time with his work, his mother and his art.
As a server with the Las Vegas restaurant Ocean Prime Jason remembers one evening when one of the other servers was ill and he and one other server had to take care of 24 tables. At one of the tables, he sang a song for a birthday and soon all the other tables were requesting their songs. Yes, all the 24 tables were served and had a memorable, entertaining evening.
Yes, Jason is an artist, but he is also an entertainer. By the way, you know why Jason draws only in grays, black and white and why he knew he could never be a professional artist? Jason Pransky suffers from Achromatopsia or Monochromacy. In other words, Jason is almost completely color-blind. However he adds his current girlfriend is also an artist and has added color to his black and white world.
Jason’s word of the day: ‘We don’t always know what God has planned for us. My art? My ability to sing a song on key? These are gifts and hopefully they bring others great memories and joy.”
Jason helped to recognize a 10-year employee at a company where he worked by giving her a surprise portrait. The company had not done much for the employee, but Jason’s portrait made the anniversary very special. Jason also once drew a picture for a woman whose sister had committed suicide but through the drawing, now had a special memory of her sister. Another time, Jason comforted a mother who had lost a newborn with a picture of Jesus holding the newborn. He was told later that the drawing was the first time the distraught mother had been able to smile.
A few of Jason’s art works are below:
How inspiring and uplifting! Beautiful article about a beautiful person. Just in time for Christmas month. Thank you once again for bringing to light that there’s more goodness than bad in this world by writing about someone who embodies how we should all be by sharing our God-given gifts with others. Jason Pransky is a treasure. May he always be an inspiration to everyone he meets. May he attain happiness and success in all his endeavors.
Thank you so much for this great article about my son Jason. He has been told his work is of professional quality, so who knows what the future holds. Although he has done some commissions and sold other pieces, his most cherished payment has always been in bringing joy or comfort to the recipient.
Jason’s art is quite amazing. It seems that his art is only exceeded by his personality and compassion!
Jason is a very special kind of person. Always uplifting and bringing joy to others. I have admired his art for years and enjoy seeing the progress of current works on his social media.
So cool! Not only is he a fantasticly great human being ,but also an amazing artist! He deserves all the accolades that come his way.
Jason is an amazing artist and even better human. He made a beautiful portrait for our anniversary and is a gentle and caring soul
Great story about an artist who gives back. If only more artists were like Jason, the world would be a better place.
Nice article — had not known (or plum forgot) about Jason’s monochromatic condition. Keep on keeping on! P.s. love the Bruce Lee— a clue for the keen reader that Mr. Pransky also kicks (you know what ).
This is such a great article. Jason brings such joy and delight into all that he does. Doesn’t matter if it is Ocean Prime, Starbucks, or just meeting him on the street, Jason shows the same care and compassion to everyone he meets. His chosen artistic method is able to portray not just a picture, but a memory full of emotion.
Keep doing great work Jay!!
Jason has a great eye and a wonderful intuition. He is extremely generous to his special people, he has gifted much of his work, only to bring tears to many. He is a special person with a big heart.
Thank you Jason for being you!
Steve from New Jersey!!!
A Journey beyond the Canvas. Not just art, it’s a testament to the humanity’s boundless spirt and insatiable curiosity. Able to transcend the ordinary, reaching into the very fabric of our shared existence. Every stroke, every hue whispers a story of perseverance, reminding us that even the smallest actions can ripple into monumental achievements. This artwork is not merely something to be seen; it’s something to be “felt”. It speaks to the core of what it means to be human; to dream, to strive, and to rise to the occasion. This artist’s work leaves you standing in awe not just of what you are looking at, but of what we, as a collective, are capable of achieving. It is, in essence, a leap for the imagination and a step toward understanding our place in the universe.
Such beautiful work. You put your heart and soul into each piece and it shows. Continue to follow your passion for art and let your kind and loving nature drive you to do good things. Wishing you much success!
Jason is a fantastic artist. I am always so impressed by his work, but what makes it so special is how he connects the art to the emotion of the subject matter. He truly connects with others and has a tremendous heart. This is a wonderful article, and I am so happy to see him recognized for being him! Osu! -AF
I’m happy to chime in with: Jason is hands down the kindest & most authentic man I’ve ever met!
As an example, he asks everyone’s name (like our server’s when we’re out and about at a restaurant). He then remembers their name.
He’s always looking to brighten up someone’s day.
I’ve never come across a creative person that lives the life that is reflected in their art.
-from the aforementioned one that adds color to his world 😉
Jason is not only an incredibly talented artist, but a wonderful person to boot! He can make you feel special in an instant. A rare combination which deserves to be celebrated!!!!
It was the most amazing gift I have ever received and I never thought of the recognition but it was a special moment! Jason always did good things without asking for anything, his heart is always first and making people happy came easy to him. I have worked with many people but I have never loved working with many people! He made so many guests feel
special just by being him. Proud to be part of his amazing life!
Diane Lagler – Boss lady..
Great article! I learned something about my extremely talented nephew: He’s colorblind! That makes his black and white art even more wonderful.
Great article about one of the nicest people I know. He is a man of many talents.
Jason sure is God sent. When I was presented with the art piece he created of my beautiful angel son, I cried but tears of joy. Thank you to the man who helped with part of healing my grieving heart.
What a remarkable man! Talented, kind hearted and full of the fun of life! Momma Morgan must be filled with pride! I was fascinated to learn that his art work represents his view of the world as a person with colorblindness. Thanks for introducing him to me.
A great article about my little brother. Its about damn time he gets some kudos and recognition for his talent and his immense empathy for others. I’m proud of ya lil bro! BTW, I didn’t know you were color blind… Even more amazing. Scotty
Jason is extremely gifted,very talented Artist with a passion that whatever he sets his mind too, he wiil accomplish. I have never met Jason but knowing he is Morgan St.James son and seeing his work he is making this world a better place! Congratulations on being recognized in this Amazing article and much continued success in the future,
#NeverEverGiveUp!
Jason is one of those people that you meet once and feel like you have known him all your life. He has a kind heart and a good soul and is a special human. He is such an amazing artist because he draws from everything that is decent and honest and good about this world. His positive energy comes through his smile and handshake. You cannot help feel good when you are around Jason. I am thrilled that his art is being recognized so he can share it with a large audience. On a personal note, Jason drew a picture of my Dad after he died from a photograph. He never met my Dad but was able to capture his spirit which is the sign of a true artist! He has a rare gift and again I am so happy he is getting to share it with so many people.
“Brilliant Minds” just did an episode on this malady. The way the artist who suddenly went colorblind due to a head injury dealt with it was to paint in shades of black, grey, and white. Stunning work, Jason!
This is a fine article and knowing Jason as we do, it does capture much of his personality and artistic spirit. His artwork shows the depth of his mastery in capturing human emotion along with delicate play of light and shadow. His works not only reflect the likeness of the subjects, but also tell a story.
A true artist in every aspect of his life. I’m glad he’s getting some recognition for his creations.
2022. I had just recently moved from a small town to big city San Francisco,CA. One morning I was looking for a coffee shop before starting my work shift. Starbucks was closed due to plumbing issues! So, I walked right into the nearest café and was greeted by a bright, big smile and a warm welcome.
Enter Jason. A walking rarity amongst us. Two of Jason, you will never find. It is an honor to have him in your life! His creative mind reflects in his art. He is a true alchemist.
Forever grateful for plumbing issues!
Love you brother! Say hi to Mom! ♥️
I have known Jason since 1980. What an amazing talent he has developed. I am sure the art pieces he has created are truly cherished.