TnWS Hosts George James Workshop

(This is a post from January 11th, 2010 that is being consolidated to this TNWS Blog.)

George James Workshop
May 17-21, 2010
Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga
Cost: TNWS Members: $350, Non-members: $375
Contact: Post a comment

George James, AWS DF, NWS, paints on Yupo because it allows him to constantly revise a painting, adding or subtracting layers, pattern and subject matter without losing transparency. He has been inventing unconventional techniques for painting with traditional watercolor media on synthetic papers since 1982. James observes daily life for subject matter, constantly sketching people in everyday settings. He starts a painting by considering darks and lights, then adding colors determined by his emotional response to the subject. The result is a colorful innovative work filled with geometric patterns, flattened forms and symbols relating to the subject.

Recently retired, George James taught art at California State College at Fullerton beginning in 1968. He has won numerous prizes and awards during his 50-year painting career, including the AWS Bronze Medal (1998), the AWS Gold Medal (1999), the AWS Ida Wells Stroud Award (2000), the NWS Silver Medal (2001), Waterworks 2003 NWWS First Prize, and the Louisiana Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition, First Prize (2003). His work and articles have been published in The Artist’s Magazine, Watercolor Magic, Southwest Art, and International Artist magazine. Two books by Gordon T. McClelland and Jay T. Last document the work of George James: The California Style, California Watercolor Artists 1925-1955 and California Watercolors, 1850-1970.

In workshops George James shares the secrets of working on Yupo. While introducing innovative techniques and a wide variety of unusual tools, he also emphasizes design and composition. He has a relaxed teaching style and encourages experimentation and new ideas. For more information on George James, see his website at www.georgejameswatercolor.com or check out his videos at Creative Catalyst Productions' website www.ccpvideos.com. They currently list three videos (and have another on landscapes coming soon), along with links to articles on James' work. The free previews to his videos are the best way to see how he works. Also read “George James: Innovations with Transparent Watercolor” at www.myamericanartist.com/2008/02/george-james-in.html.