About me
"James is a delightful teacher as he gives good explanations of techniques, tempers them with anecdotes, adds references to well-known painters and usually throws in something humorous . He is always encouraging all his students to look more closely, to try different techniques and colours and to “Be bolder!” "
I am a painter.
I studied Fine Art and Music BA Honours before starting work in the Finance Industry. There I worked as accounts clerk and personnel officer whilst studying with Institute of Personnel and Development. After a few years I decided that this was not for me and decided to find a new path which allowed me to focus on painting and helping others find their creative voice.
Since then I have never looked back and have had the privilege to work with national and international institutions on arts education projects, developed creative programmes for individuals and groups, exhibited my paintings widely and built a successful career as an artist.
My work is founded on the traditions of drawing and painting derived from the long journey of western art history as well as development in contemporary culture. In 2008 I graduated with MA in the History of Art from Birkbeck, University of London which open opportunities to share a broader knowledge with a wider audience.
I find inspiration in places and people at home and abroad. I paint subjects which give me with a strong sense of place or person something which I hope the viewer can connect with and share my experience of the subject.
I work with the highest quality of oil paints and watercolours to ensure my colours are clear and permanent. I enjoy their richness and texture which help me communicate my ideas on a canvas or paper.
I feel it is important to share knowledge and support other sin their creative and personal journey. Exploring creativity as part of being is important to me and I am honoured to be the Art Champion for the Centre Academy, London: the founder of the Letchworth Arts Centre (Broadway Gallery) and Hitchin Creative CIC. All organisations supporting and helping creativity in others.
The Watermill at Posara, Italy - A Painting Adventure
In June 2025 I travelled to the amazing Watermill at Posara, Italy to be hosted by Bill and Lois Breckon. Here my group were treated to a week of beautiful painting locations, comfortable accommodation and exception hospitality.
Staying in the heart of the quiet Tuscan countryside near the town of Fivizzano, each day unfolded from a generous breakfast to be taken to a stunning location of mountains, hill towns, architecture or the Watermill gardens and so much more to inspire paintings, drawings and photographs. The large studio provided space to continue creating before spectacular dinners with wine and entertainment thrown in.
The next trip is planned for June 2026. I'd love you to join me in the Tuscan countryside for creative adventures. Please get in touch for details or visit The Watermill website here.
" I first met James about ten years ago when I signed up for a drawing course at Sir John Soane’s Museum having not done any art since childhood. I enjoyed it enormously as we explored the museum with James observing various artistic motifs and quirks of the architecture. We then went to draw at Somerset House and I can remember being particularly careful with a rusticated doorway and then realising that I had got the number of stones wrong! I confessed this to James and was surprised but delighted when he said “Don’t worry, who will know when they look at the painting!” Subsequently when James was leading some painting courses in Italy, I joined him again and once more tried to create some masterpieces with his mantra “Be bolder” forever in my mind! Joining him again recently on Zoom has been one of my rays of sunshine in the pandemic.