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James Alexander Wood - Artist ________________________________________________________
James Wood Portrait by Wendy Hunter FOREWORD by Amy McMillan This beautiful book is in many ways a celebration of the artistic life of James Alexander Wood which had its beginning in 1992 when, at the age of sixty one, following a serious road accident, he was challaneged to do something different with his life. The paintings illustrated pay tribute to the artist's powers of observation, variety of interests and breadth of experience. They reflect too, his genuine love and understanding of life, energy and wonderful enthusiasm.Through the years his portfolio has reflected a creative urge and natural affinity with a very wide range of subjects. He has produced many rich landscapes depicting Scottish, English, French, Italian and African scenes, dabbled in the surreal with Mpanda Symbols and imaginately created the idea of 'story-book' line paintings. He has shown the ability to evoke strong emotional responses to his work, and Restaurant chez Laurette, Provence and Tuscan Sunset from Ripalta Farm both radiate positive joy and show his palette at its richest. He has elevated even the mundane to interesting and attractive artworks as in Redundant Poster, Jamaica Street, and Wiseman's Milk which both reflect the keen eye of the practised observer.James now lives in Kilmacolm, a Renfrewshire village which includes the largest legacy of Charles Rennie Macintosh works outside Glasgow. Frank Walker, Emeritus Professor of Architecture and also a resident of Kilmacolm has written: 'Renfrewshire may not be the most scenically dramatic of Scotland's counties, yet its softer landscapes have a beguiling charm. High lonely moorland around Loch Thom, the tumbling waters of the Calder River, Strathgryffe's green undulations, wide riparian mud flats along the Clyde, not least the prospect of The Argyll Hills sinking in the sunset. All these and more have inspired many artists. No surprise then that James Wood should find himself drawn to paint the countryside around him. If over the years his subject matter has broadened to sunnier climes, his palette warmer, his style exploring the approaches of the other painters, it is still the local landscape that sustains his commitment to his art.'James is essentially a modest man who himself does not claim great artistic capability or skill. Indeed he is proud of much of his self-teaching. This book demonstrates the development of his skills and the range of his work, from his first painting, Aitkin's Smiddy, East Kilbride, to his most recent Swinging in the Snow, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm. Over time, he has developed a free-er impressionism. His strong brush strokes confirm confidence and comfort in what is now, very much, his own style.This book is intended to offer an opportunity to share with him the joy of his exciting paintings. I am sure you will enjoy it. |
Welcome to the Advertizer, your LOCAL community Magazine for the Gryffe area of the West Coast of Scotland. |
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