Paul James

Paul James is an absolute perfectionist. He spends months on each painting, applying more and more detail until in his words "its about right". Born in Leicester in 1961, Paul James spent his formative years in the County of Leicestershire. Although his artistic ability became apparent in early childhood Paul first made his career in music, having been trained as a classical pianist.

He returned to his first love of art and began painting professionally in 1986. Paul has since developed his unique style of finely finished painting and has become renowned, in particular for his atmospheric rural landscapes. Whilst in the UK Paul lives and works on board his 70 foot narrowboat. He gains inspiration from his travels around the Inland Waterways of Britain. His work has become very collectable with originals owned throughout the world.

A Day in the life of Paul James;

Paul James generally rises early; I like to experience the early morning light and I function better earlier in the day. I am very upbeat first thing and like to play lively music such as Poncho Sanchez whilst I am preparing for the start of the day. Depending on the time of year we may move the boat, although even that does not happen until I've had my customary mug of coffee. Early mornings on the canal can be quite magical; blue skies and watery sunshine, the mist gently rising, herons taking off in majestic flight, whilst kingfishers dart in and out of the hedgerows, it is nothing less than awe-inspiring. There is a real sense of being at one with nature, never more so when I get to share my breakfast with the passing ducks, swans and geese.

Once behind the easel I paint almost continually during the daylight hours, stopping only briefly for necessary sustenance or occasionally I try to fit in a swim at the nearest leisure centre. I generally have the radio or a CD on. I have eclectic tastes from Brubeck to Beethoven, Mahler to Metallica, and Tori Amos to Tschaikowsky; or alternatively I might attempt to improve my Spanish with home learning tapes. I reluctantly pack away as the light begins to fade.

I share the boat with my partner Linda who is my soul mate. She has a great sense of fun and stops me from taking myself too seriously by making me laugh. She always sees things in a positive light and her enthusiasm is infectious. She takes much of the load of the business of art off my shoulders leaving me free to paint.

Evenings can be very varied; we may spend time together working on business matters. We may move the boat a little further and rather like the mornings the evening light can offer up some wonderful views. I nearly always spend sometime playing the piano, often with a glass of beer or wine to hand - it is my main form of relaxation. Although classically trained I prefer to play jazz and blues. We also socialise a lot with people we meet along the way, friends both old and new. The boating fraternity is quite incredible, almost like a village community in its own right; wherever we are friends are generally not far away. During the summer months we get involved in festivals and events. Lots more socialising is compulsory. It's exhausting but lots of fun.