Artist's
Statement:
It
is not the artist’s intention to paint the subject at hand to exact
structural exactness, but to define these landmarks as recognizable
using a balanced approach and a personal reflection of a time and
place. Broadly speaking, it is my intention to portray an experience
related to the subject. This may require including a whimsical
element within the setting and activity in the overall theme.
Consequently, I find that the viewer responds to this in a relatable
manner.
Each
year brings further exploration of the media I employ. My paintings
are oils on canvas. I use a combination of brush and palette knife
techniques. My studio area is a 20’x20’ attached room where all
work is completed by myself. Paintings are drafted by brush.
Layering and glazing techniques are used in paintings to create
effective subtle or contrasting elements as needed. Many paintings
and murals include a whimsical element in an effort to speak
personally to the observer. Artist photos and some research
material from Burton Historial Library and the Chicago Historical
Museum Library have helped in my creation of some of these themes of
historical and contemporary landmarks. My work is a continual growing
process that gives me personal pleasure and an opportunity to learn
new methods of painting in my effort to define places and events.Background: Jim
is a self-taught impressionist realist painter depicting a style that
is largely derived from the study of classical American and European
artists. Jim worked 23 years as a social worker in foster care and
delinquency prior to his retirement from the State of Michigan.
Since retirement, he has been an instructor-creator of inner-city art
programs for youth at Grandale Salvation Army Center, All Saints
Community Center and locations in Detroit. In recent years Jim has
participated in additional studies at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art
Center.
Awards
and Special Exhibits:
"Honorable
Mention, 2013 Grosse Pointe Artist Association "Size Matters" show
Award
of Merit 2011, Anna Marie Island Fine Arts, (Anna Marie, FL)
First
Place,2010 Artrageous Fine Art, (Sterling Hts, MI)
Featured
artist at State of Mind Gallery, (Northville, MI) Exhibiting
artist at Arts n’ Apples (Rochester, MI)
Exhibiting
artist at Oakbrook Mall Invitational, Oakbrook,Ill
Exhibiting
Artist at National City Fine Arts Festival, Birmingham, MI
Exhibiting
artist at Petoskey Art in Park, Petoskey, MI
2005
Best of Show (Rochester Heritage Festival)
Brigateen
Gallery, Downers Grove
Represented
at Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, and Drake Hotel, Chicago
Member
of Huron Valley Council for the Arts, St. Clair Artist Association
Member
of Chicago Artists Coalition
‘Hudsons,
The ‘Real’ Christmas Store" featured at The Detroit
Historical Museum in 1999 and 2000
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