James Doherty is a contemporary figure painter. His strong compositions leave no doubt about what he wishes to portray. His singular figures are looking straight out of the painting into our world or we are voyeuristically looking into theirs.
The Nottingham High School graduate started with classical training, and his solid, soft-edged colorful figures convey a mood and a feeling for the viewer.
What are you communicating with your art?
The feeling of movement. I guess I am trying to get the feel of a snapshot in time. I think of it almost like a movie still photo. I am attracted to traditional portraiture also as a starting point. I will paint on a few pieces progressively as I wait for the earlier pieces to dry.
What media do you use and why?
I use oil paint and cold wax (beeswax and citrus oil) usually on birch wood panels. I apply my wax and oil mediums with brushes, print rollers, and pot scrapers. I add the wax in a ratio of 10-20% to the oil paint. It makes the paint stiffer and looking very matte. After all is done I use a varnish to finish the piece. I learned this technique after trying alkyd paints.
You paint figures and still life. Do you have a preference?
I love painting the figure. I often try to paint landscapes but I am never happy with a landscape until I paint a figure somewhere in the painting. My landscape paintings look boring until I put a figure in, with not having a focal point. Even a small figure adds a focal point for me. I wish to try even more narrative painting to add even more.
I love painting Japanese geisha figures. The hair styles, the clothing with patterns, the folds of the fabric, I love it.
Where do the ideas come from?
I am always trying to paint the modern figure with a historical feel. I paint whatever moves me. I may start with a historical painting that catches my eye and duplicate it with a contemporary feel or outlook. A reclining figure, a certain lighting, the lights and darks all interest me. I love the chiaroscuro and how it makes the painting more solid.
Tell us about the historical aspect of figures that interests you?
Museums are my happy place. John Singer Sargent has always been my favorite painter. I could stand in front of one of his paintings for hours just studying the brush strokes. Up close his paintings are an abstract collection of marks and as you back away they become a perfectly rendered dress. He was the master of conveying his message and nothing ever looked over worked. The list of others that influence my work include Velazquez, Nicolai Fechin, Euan Uglow, Joshua Reynolds, William Merritt Chase, and Gainsborough.
You also show in Europe, how did that come about?
I met a dealer from Oslo, Norway a few years ago, who liked my work. I was a good fit for her gallery and have been showing there ever since. She shows artists from all over the world. The gallery exhibits at art fairs in Europe and here in the US.
How has the classical training at PAFA affected you to this day? What were some of the lasting lessons learned?
I loved everything about PAFA the professors and teachers are the best. Every instructor I have had at PAFA has informed my work. Even the sculpture classes made me a better painter. My love for historical painters stems from my painting classes with Ted Xaras.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
Creating art I make all my own panels and frames. This often takes more time than creating the work. I am beginning to let the galleries do the framing. This has let me spend more of my time creating the work. So having time. Having enough time to create my work has always been the most difficult part for me.
What one attribute should all artists have?
The drive to create the work. The drive to improve. The hunger and drive I feel is the one thing that all artists have or should have. We may not know why but we all have that drive to create.
I really love to see the collected work in its environment. I ask collector to share a photo of the paintings after they are installed. People really love the work and it makes me happy.
What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?
I wish to try working in series. I am also planning shows at Morpeth Contemporary Gallery in Hopewell NJ and Galleri Ramfjord in Oslo Norway for later this year.
Web: instagram.com/dohertypainting.
Painter James Doherty.,
