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Vision

Through my artwork, I aim to reveal the strength of personality, dignity and wealth of character I hold to be the essence of every individual.​​

I grew up around the theatre. My parents used to take me to work when they were performing and I remember watching actors from the wings, observing how they celebrated the human condition on stage by impersonating the full spectrum of the human emotions.​

This is what greatly inspired and influenced my work. Whether it is a real-life portrait or a picture resulting from my own imagination, I strive to capture the subject's emotions while also guiding the observer to experience the feelings I intend to convey.

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My path

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I studied at Camberwell College of Arts, Accademia delle Belle Arti in Viterbo, Italy, and I gained a BA in Fine Art from the University of Wales, Cardiff.


I was awarded the Harry Holland Prize for Best Figurative Artist on graduating.


My work selected for display at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition at the Mall Gallery, London, for eight years.

I had a solo exhibition at the Salon gallery in west London.

I have been teaching anatomical drawing at
Art Academy London for three years.

Matthew Kelly

 “Sitting for James is a pleasure and a privilege. He is a kind, patient, witty artist who paints with astonishing clarity and insight. He captures many different aspects of personality in a single painting and when it is actual-size, as in my case, that's a lot of commitment, perception and paint.”
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