James M McCracken
Saint Petersburg, FL - United States
James M McCracken - Fine Artist
Member Since: 12/02/2009
Juried Member of EBSQ+
Growing up in the Appalachians you find things to keep you busy. 'Poverty is the father of ingenuity'. My earliest memories were drawing and painting. I am a natural fauvist in style. My painting technique is considered glazing, very much the appearance of fine painted china in hand. My acrylics are inspired by the Italian Renaissance Icons in technique. My oils are 7 layered and inspired by the tutelage of Mr. Boris Vallejo an Internationally known Peruvian painter.
I aspired as child to be a Hallmark card artist and fervently studied their painting techniques. I practiced day in and day out. Painting became my escape. I won in all contests entered at grade and high school level. My dream was to attend Pratt, but finances dictated I work as a brush artist for the paper bag industry, and then as a fabric pattern designer. At that time, the only example of art/work available in my area. The pay was barely above minimum wage and it became difficult for me to pick up a brush for enjoyment.
Wanderlust set in and off to the Air Force I went. I spent everyday I could in Europe traveling the museums and hanging with other artists when off duty, gleaming all the tips and techniques I could from them. I have since studied the Master's and their techniques extensively. Modern Masters include, the Wyeth's and Boris Vallejo. I am formally educated, and intrigued with the very nature of life itself. I play in many pure forms of medium in paint. I am currently studying Oils on flat board and prepared paper, with a textural component, a step wise procedure to maintain my original artistic style. I hope to also offer small drawings done in classical method as time permits.
'Good, better, best, never never rest, till your good is better, and your better is best' A quote over the gym lockers in grade school still motivates me today.
I have been painting full time 5 yrs now. As a hobby, I try to enter at least one juried competition a month, many of which are International, and have placed top three many times. These awards are posted on the blog that accompanies each painting on deviantART. I have been featured in many articles and publications online. Now in print both magazine and book as a writer and artist.
I have sold every painting listed to date, over 250 world wide. Huge Private Collections ( >50) include England, France, and U.S.A.
-2009-Published in July '09 edition of “G” Magazine. ALL Spain cover, 6 pages and full bio in Spanish.
-2009-Published Biography Insert/Interview “Never Blend In” ( Words to the LGBT Youth) by Mr. David Watters ..London, England.
Published Author and feature writer for harvey.milk.com
-May 26, 2009- “First SOLO One Man Art Show” consisted of 7 large 18”x24” Oil on Canvas' for the American Stage Theatre GRAND opening Black Tie event at St. Petersburg College downtown Performing Arts Center. The solo show ran the entire summer. ALL pieces were sold, and two additional paintings were commissioned by a donor. Six pieces in all will soon be a PERMANENT exhibit in the Hough Lobby honoring American Stage Theatre Company's “Commitment to Excellence” the past thirty years in St. Petersburg, fl.
-July 17, 2009- Final approval from Celebrity writer Del Shore's for a “Sordid Lives” cookbook and greeting card line. The cookbook should be out Holiday Season Worldwide. The card line is awaiting each celebrity's signed release and will feature all the beloved characters. Please feel free to contact me via email stpeteartisan @ aol.com for any further details. “Vive la vie boheme” J.Michael McCracken
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