Jeff Nentrup

As a Southern California native, Jeffrey Nentrup developed a love for art and nature at a young age. Upon receiving his BFA with Distinction in Illustration from the Art Center College Of Design in 2002, Nentrup immediately went to work full-time for Hollywood. After years of painting digitally in the high-octane commercial art ranks and working on marquee projects for A-list clients (Dreamworks, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, Disney, Paramount, NASA) and a top cover artist who’s artwork has been featured on dozens of novels worldwide, Jeff has returned to the immediacy of his first love, oil painting.

What was it like being contacted by Tool to do the artwork for the Staple Center show and what inspired you?

I went to art school with Adam’s wife Korin and she’s been a dear friend ever since, so I’ve known Adam for awhile and they’ve both been big supporters of my work. I love those two. Tool is one of the biggest bands in the world and they have always supported incredible visual artists so of course it’s a honor for me to be a small part of it, but it means so much more to have the trust of a friend behind you. I’ll admit that as a huge fan of the band since 93’ I was secretly geeking out, plus LA is also my hometown. Quite a surreal moment to be seated down front at the Staples show and seeing my painting walking around on people’s chest. My artwork for the poster was inspired directly by the song Pneuma.

What bands do you listen to?

I ’ve been playing bass and guitar longer than I’ve been painting, so my love of music has grown to include almost every form there is and I always try to keep an open mind. I like working to Rock mostly, helps keep the energy up in the studio. I always come back to the two Jim’s, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page.
(Check out my painting ‘Nirvana’ that was displayed for an art show at Sound City studios in LA,
where Tool recorded Undertow.)

Do you have any other possible ideas artworks for future tool shows if you’re asked to do it again?

Honestly, no. As a professional artist for the past 18 years I’m constantly creating new work and I like to keep some room for spontaneity when starting a new piece then just go for it. For example I wanted to create something new specifically for Tool, so my Pneuma painting was conceived on a Friday, painted Sat-Sun and sent to Tool’s management on Monday for a tight print deadline. Not an unusual turn-around in the illustration biz.

What are your top three favorite tool songs?

I’ll list one from each era: Hearing Intolerance is like a full pot of intravenous coffee for me. Rosetta Stoned is quintessential Tool, 11.11 minutes of deploying their full arsenal of intricate arrangements and sweeping dynamics, topped with a kaleidoscopic vocal tour-de-force from Maynard in both prowess and his endless wit. Invincible feels like a song only those 4 people could write after a 30+ year career, a masterpiece. I know I’ll get shit for not listing anything from Lateralus lol!