Traits

Soon to be displayed at Waterloo Tea's Artist of the Month slot in April 2025, this body of work shows off large brush strokes, splatter and deep meanings to represent the wonderful virtues and character traits that people radiate.

Five canvases, each totally unique with a real sense of movement. 

Blithe

Blithe describes a carefree, jolly and humorous disregard for the world's rules and restrictions. James tried to capture this feeling by seeing where each stroke and splash led him. By ripping up the rule book, it can allow for a more daring and jovial approach. 

Humility 

Humility is the quality to have a modest or low view of one's importance, and James has tried to capture this by showing a reserved and subtle mask, covering the internal shine that people with this trait often have but manage to hide.
These people tend to offer so much to our lives and radiate a warmth that we struggle to put our finger on. They often show a calm and modest attitude, failing to acknowledge how much they truly provide to others. 

Calm

With it's hectic look, this appears the antithesis of its title. However, James has tried to demonstrate how the mind can get cluttered with thoughts and stresses. People with a calm character, can often block out these feelings of tension and maintain focus. the golden line through the middle of this painting represents a calm line of thought, cutting through the chaos around it and rising above. 

Amity

Amity is a trait that means to show love, friendship and mutual understanding, despite differences that may exist between each other.
I’m sure we all know someone who just radiates love and warmth, regardless of the circumstances. These people are so comforting to be around and never fail to bring a smile to your face, regardless of your own personal feelings.
James wanted to show this trait by painting what he felt looked like an acrylic hug, that soothes and embraces the twists, turns and bumps in the road.

Creativity

With this piece, James has tried to show how a creative mind can work. Creatives tend to see the walls, shapes, structures and rules of the world and simply throw them out of the window. The shapes and hard lines refer to the idea of being told what 'the right way' to something might be. The flash through the middle shows how a creative brain can smash those restrictions out of the way, and frolic in its own playground.