ABOUT ME ~ JAMES H. WALLACE

Simultaneously works evolving into other works, each a period of creative growth. It is a means by which I explore and express discoveries about myself, man, nature, drawing and painting itself. All the while keeping my focus on the human form, the most captivating and challenging creation ever. One I never tire of observing and striving to render it in all its complexities.

The challenge is to find graphic solutions to anatomical, structural and technical problems which evolve out of the introduction of combined elements such as medium, proportion, attitude, motion, foreshortening, lights and shadows, cropping of compositions, and finally props (as in my current Angel works) where I use wings, ribbons and drapery to this end-all the while exploring and celebrating the qualities of the drawn line-its values, its energy, its sensuality and raw emotion.

In my current body of works involving Angels. I try to involve the viewer with the subject. Have them tap into the emotions, the sensuality of the subject or model by focusing on different areas of the painting, by degrees of finish; decided use of cropping; areas out of view; distinct lights and shadows; use of ribbons and draped fabric. All of these elements leading the viewer through the composition. I feel the unfinished backgrounds; found in most of my works-the shadows and what are out of view-can evoke almost a spiritual aspect to the work.

EDUCATION:

Art Institute of Boston
Laguna Beach School of Art and Design
California College of Arts and Crafts, BFA

WORK HISTORY:

I have worked in the three dimensional
design fields of Visual Merchandising and
Interior Design for over thirty years, all the while continuing to paint and draw, exhibiting my work when opportunities arise.