About the artist

My artwork consists of pen and ink watercolor paintings rendered in a loose and whimsical style. Rather than striving for photographic realism, I aim to capture and convey the feeling or emotion of each scene. The subjects I choose are inspired by local sights, historical buildings, and elements of local history, allowing me to connect viewers with the spirit of the community.

I am drawn to places that evoke a particular feeling or emotion familiar to locals, seeking to highlight the unique atmosphere embedded within these scenes. My technical approach is characterized by strong line work that emphasizes whimsy and personality, creating a distinctive visual language that sets my work apart.

Artists James Richards and Ian Fennelly have profoundly influenced my style and artistic vision, inspiring me to explore the expressive potential of line and color. Through my paintings, I strive to share a nuanced emotional experience and an affectionate appreciation for the places and stories that surround us.

My Artistic Journey

There is great JOY in the moment

Art, especially watercolor painting, provides the perfect way to savor the moment. When you observe a scene, you form an opinion and move on. Even when photographing something, you look, ascertain the best angles, take the photograph, and move on. However, when drawing a scene, you must fully engage with the subject and honestly document the natural world as you see it. Painting exactly what you see is discouraged because it can result in missing the mark and disappointment. To create a painting of your design, you should paint what you feel, not just what you see.

In the art world, there is a prevalent misconception that art is only for the talented few. This idea persists because it creates an illusion of artists as magicians who can effortlessly turn a blank canvas into a masterpiece. The reality is that art is not magic; it's the result of knowledge and hard work. Art is a skill like any other and can be learned.

I embarked on my artistic journey when I discovered Urban Sketching, a genre of painting that captivates me. Rather than being gifted with natural drawing talent, I recognized that my ability to learn and absorb the necessary skills enabled me to paint scenes. I learned from online tutorials by artists such as James Richards and Ian Fennelly. I honed these skills by sketching Old Town Helotes, a setting that resonates deeply with me. With the invaluable assistance of local historian Cynthia Leal Massey, I transformed these sketches into my first book, "The Art of Helotes." My aim in creating this book was to produce engaging, unique, and compelling art so that others could experience Old Town as I see it through my eyes.

-Charles B James

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