Paintings | Bear James

This was a really quick study, after an artist named Skip Liepke, whom I admire a great deal.

I really love drawing and painting, and they’re really not too different. I use all types of media when I draw, but I typically work out most of my ideas with a with a pencil and my paper. From there, I’ll either continue with ink or paint. Sometimes, though, I might scan the drawings in and start using my computer.

Frosty the Snowbot

I have a drawing tablet hooked to my computer which is loads of fun, especially with some of the amazing programs available. Combining the computer, traditional media and materials can produce unique and interesting results. For instance, I’ve just completed a painting on an old rusty sign, and I’ve got an idea for some drawings on cardboard. Over the next several years, I’m guessing the rust will continue to change the look of the sign over the years.. it’ll be exciting to see what happens.

A great example of the different textures Eric Carle gets combining different materials and mediums.

Getting the right texture is important, and I’m often taking photos or creating my own textures out of everyday stuff. Author and illustrator (guru?) Eric Carle is famous for introducing materials that nobody had thought of before, like tissue paper and torn edges.

I love going to art shows and museums. As I’m writing this text, I’m in New York City at a conference, and I’m excited to get to go to a museum tomorrow and meander around for a few hours. Almost nothing makes me happier than a few hours alone or with someone I love looking at paintings, sculptures, and other types of artworks.

Matisse's Goldfish painting.

When I’m looking at a painting or sculpture for the first time, I always try to give the work my full attention for at least 30 seconds to a minute before I move on. This is because I believe that it can take much longer to really understand a piece of art, even if you don’t see that at first. One time, I stood in front of a painting for what must have been at least 15 minutes, and I kept leaving, and then coming back to look at it some more! The painting was by Henri Matisse and it was a still life of some little fish in a glass jar.

When I work on art for kids.. it tends to fall under the elusive title of illustrations, which means it’s paired with text, and is usually helping tell a larger narrative story. I can work in several different styles, but I’m most happy about my work, when the composition is right, the colors are balanced and harmonious, and when I feel that I’ve captured a vibe or mood.

Oftentimes, I’m simply painting just to paint and work with composition and style. The longboard surfing painting is one I did for a neighbor of mine here in Austin, Texas who I think very much misses living near the ocean. I’m a big fan of surfing myself… I did this longboard surfer for a friend of mine who is starting a new surf-oriented company. I know he’s going to love it.