Self taught artist Paul James is a remarkable and fascinating man. He is a gifted wildlife, animal and landscape artist and a wonderful pianist. It would seem that if he has set his heart on learning something he goes for it big time.
In fact should you make reference to his talents Paul will argue that his creative abilities are not down to talent but more about his attitude and application. Paul demonstrates a dogged determinedness to succeed in everything he does; in particular he admits a desire for recognition and respect as an artist.

He was born and grew up in Leicestershire. His artistic and musical abilities became apparent from a relatively early age and with the support and encouragement of his parents he is essentially self-taught. He did go to Art College at the insistence of his teachers to study graphic design, but being something of a rebel he did not wish to conform to the course requirements and preferred to spend time painting classic cars at the local garage, and neighbours pet cats and dogs, so his studies were not concluded.
He went on to develop a career in music, playing both organ and piano in a range of pubs, clubs and cocktail bars. However, it was not quite the rock star lifestyle that he had envisaged and he returned to his first love of art and began painting professionally in 1986. The haunting beauty of the nearby Charnwood Forest greatly influenced the atmospheric landscape and animal paintings for which Paul is renowned today.

Paul has perfected a style with incredible fine detail, which means that his works take time. He paints in acrylics either on canvas or board and uses his own photographic reference material. He had some early success in the mid nineties when he had a number of publishing deals with the likes of Verkerke, Gordon Frazer and Solomon & Whitehead, who between them published a range of his work including landscapes, domestic animals and wildlife pieces, however as Paul was not entirely happy with the arrangements he decided to attempt self-publishing. Along with his wife Linda they have published a range of fine art cards and prints.

For six years they had what many would see as an enviable lifestyle as they lived and worked on board their narrow boat "Fools Paradise" and travelled around the inland waterways of Britain where Paul gained inspiration for many of his paintings. Early in 2004 they took up residence in the ruralness of Southern Ireland. Surrounded by the wildlife, flora and fauna that inspires his work and with the peace and tranquillity that the countryside offers Paul now has a much larger studio to work from.
Over the last few years Paul has also taken time to explore the American Art Market. During the later part of 2006 and the early part of 2007 Paul & Linda took six months out to do more travelling in America and then they went on to explore Hawaii, Pago Pago (In the American Samoa's) Australia & New Zealand. Paul's work is increasingly attracting more attention and he has had a number of successes with paintings receiving awards at a number of exhibitions around the UK. (Finalist (last 20) in Not The Turner 2003 for "Camilla" Finalist in Not the Turner 2004 with "Road to Morella"," The Addenda Award" at Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Prize Exhibition June 2004 for "The Return" and "The Retreat" and the "Viewer's Favourite Award" at the Royal West of England Academy Autumn Exhibition 2004 for "The Retreat". Runner up Editor's Professional Collection - Wildlife Artist of the year 2005 with Wildscape Magazine with "Jarvis" and he was nominated as a Finalist in the Up and Coming Published Artist Award with the Fine Art Trade Guild 2005. In 2006 he was awarded Signature Membership of "The Society of Animal Artists" in New York. It would seem that Paul is finally receiving the recognition that he both deserves and desires and his work is becoming sought after by galleries and private collectors from around the world.

Although Paul has been painting professionally for over 21 years he feels that he is really only just beginning; he has so many ideas for new paintings and he has a desire to paint animals and landscapes from around the world.