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)