Born in Birmingham in 1946, James developed a keen interest in art while still at school, and went on to study History of Art at the Derby College of Art. After graduation however, his great love of music spurred him on to embark on a European Rock tour. During those months on the road he sketched avidly, and it was this experience that led him to conclude that painting was his first love (although he still plays with his Jazz band at every opportunity)! James’s confidence and mastery of light, depth and colour have made him one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed landscape artists. Despite his years of experience, he is still inspired by the sheer beauty of the countryside around him, and he has a tremendous eye for interpreting scenes of rural Britain. Working on location James likes to produce a variety of preliminary sketches before finally capturing a piece; this attention to detail gives his work a unique accuracy and realism.
James has also directed his artistic talent towards the Christmas card market where, in 1996, his card design was the best seller of the season. All profits from this venture were donated to the Macmillan Cancer Care Appeal.
With numerous commissions, frequent sell out exhibitions throughout the UK and the overwhelming success of his limited editions, collectors of his work await every new publication with much enthusiasm.
“It is the beauty of rain drenched pathways and the patterns created by raindrops falling into puddles and streams that continually drives
my imagination.”
