Janell James, X's & O's

Artist: Janell James

Title: X's & O's

Medium: Oil on canvas

Unframed Dimensions: 45 x 50 inches

Framed Dimensions: 47 x 52 inches

Price: $9800

Artist Statement: James trained at the Bay Area Classical Artists Atelier in San Francisco, CA, and Studio Escalier in Paris, France. Her early training can be compared to the hours and dedication it takes for a classical pianist to learn Mozart. Carefully trained to draw and then paint the human portrait, James began her career with a stylized approach, meticulously crafting trees on canvas and linen, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Using classical realism techniques, layering colors influenced by Tonalism and Fauvism, her signature style often features hard lines and contrasts. Each oil painting includes more than ten layers of glaze and paint, creating rich depth and luminosity. As James’ work has evolved, these layers of glaze and paint have found their way onto multiple layers of acrylic glass, with paint applied on both the front and back of each layer. Her tree paintings have physically and optically become ten layers deep, serving as a modern expression of her many layers of oil paint now in physical 3D form on a contemporary surface. This journey began in 2006 and has resulted in her diverse body of work today, which includes pieces on canvas, acrylic glass, sculpture, and mobiles. She uses acrylic paint, spray paint, and other mixed media to create abstract artworks. She constantly shifts between her various techniques and skill sets, revisiting all these disciplines and exploring innovative creative concepts through her artistic expression.

Artist Bio: Born in Utah, I have experienced countless adventures. I love camping and hiking with my dog, enjoying the earthy scents, the crunch of snow, and the aroma of decaying leaves, accompanied by the sounds of returning birds in spring. Utah's four seasons inspire me as tree colors shift from brown to vibrant yellow and lush green. The outdoors invigorates my artistic vision and energizes my creative work, fostering exploration and innovation.