Jim Sawyer Art

As an untrained artist, I have continually experimented with technique, style and medium as well as subject matter. I have used acrylic but in recent years use only oils when I paint - though I do enjoy using charcoal and chalk pastels occasionally. It has been said that one may place 5 paintings of mine on a wall and it will look like the works of 5 different people. I personally believe this to be a good thing - at least for me - as I think I would get bored painting the same subject matter the same way all the time. I am a member of the Charlotte Art League, in Charlotte, N.C. where my works are exhibited in monthly gallery crawls. I have also exhibited at other Charolotte galleries and currently have pieces on display at local restaurants and a furniture showroom. 

Born in 1945, I was raised on the coastal regions of North Carolina's outer banks until the late 60's when my mother remarried, and we moved away. As a child I spent a great deal of time exploring the woods and marshland areas - collecting shells, bugs, bones and often hunting and fishing. 

Those childhood experiences are reflected in my paintings of landscapes - a subject I enjoy painting - generally from my imagination that surely are from visions embedded in my mind. I love "playing" with color and create abstracts (which have received much interest). Painting abstracts helps me experiment with color which aids in determining how to use color in the painting style I most prefer. That being my passion for painting in a style I call "Chromorph" (color/shape) - in which I express form with use of contrasting colors rather than shadow in "natural' tones. It is a pleasure working these pieces in oil and spending hours "testing" and working the colors to achieve the look I desire. Each peice is an experiment to me and I love watching it develop step by step with the end  result giving me somewhat of a "parental" feeling about the piece - as though it were an offspring of mine! 

Most of these peices in the Chromorph style are people - some famous (Einstein, Picasso, et.) - some inspired by the works of others and some creations using my imagination. In the case of the "imagined" faces I tend to paint the eyes first, then they "tell" me what colors they choose the rest to be by virture of the expression I see. Famous people tell me in advance.

Aove all, where oil or pastel, on canvas or paper - and occasionally scupting in clay - creating art is not a "want to" for me - it is a "Have to.." And I love sharing my artwork and making it available to to others for their enjoyment and inspiration. My philosophy is create to inspire to create.  

I hope you enjoy viewing my selctions and I welcome and appreciate any and all comments. 

I can be contacted, jwsawyer1945@yahoo.com

Jim

Jim's art can be seen at Pecker's Bar & Grill and is for sale. Please contact the bartender on duty or you can personally contact Jim my phone or email.