Artist Statement:

James Jones' work is illustrative, capturing moments in time in a freeze-frame, two dimensional image. Working in both watercolour and oil, James has sold approximately 100 paintings on commission over the last ten years. Jones studied Art Education at the University of Iowa (1963-1967)Printmaking at Emily Carr (1977-78) and Graphic Design and Illustration at Capilano College from 1987 through 1989.

James Jones' work is stylized and somewhat evocative of artists like Edward Hopper, Thomas Hart Benton and Alex Colville. His work is both anachronistic and surreal, capturing moments in time and freezing them so that the viewer may meditate, if only for a minute of two, on an ordinary image in an extraordinary manner. Jones' somewhat extreme wide angle view adds to the surreal quality of the scenes. Magical Realism comes to mind, as the implications of what is not seen in the work adds the essential elements of mystery and tension. This effect is compounded by the dramatic use of light and dark, as well as the juxtaposition of objects and the use of complementary colours.

James Jones spent his formative years in Iowa and has lived in Canada since 1969. He presently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with his wife Barbara and cat, Cleo. He does work on commission and sells prints of his artwork.