JIM FAULKNER

WATERCOLOR LANDSCAPES

River Odyssey Paintings      Links

ABOUT MY ART AND MY PHILOSOPHY OF ART

I taught and practiced contemporary art for about 15 years. Around the end of my college teaching in 1977 I began a return to my background of realistic watercolor and sculpture.  I continue to work in contemporary realism which is the basis of my art philosophy.

I paint outside on location whenever possible. Be it sun, rain, snow, wind, day or night, this is the best way to capture the fleeting beauty, light and atmosphere of the scene.  I try, not only to capture the visual image; but also, the emotional quality of the scene, which includes  my memories and the vestiges of other scenes from the past.  I am very taken by the constant change taking place in everything.  The new that decays becoming old.  In the natural world both new and old seem to hold my interest.  The renewing and then the decline that leads to the beauty of the changing seasons.  However, in the creations of man, the old has more meaning and interest for me.  For example, and old house or barn, rather than new―an old car or tractor―an old farm gate or post etc.

I paint the meadows, woods, homesteads, towns and people of the mid-west.  Trying to find meanings in the stillness of an abandoned farm, or the quiet of a snow covered woods, or even the aging of the human face.  If I find the meaning and quality, the painting is worthwhile to me and I hope to the viewers of my work.

Over the years my work has been accepted and won awards in many local and national juried art shows.  It also―fortunately―has been included in many private, public and corporate collections.

EDUCATION
Bryant School Of Art, Virginia / Watercolor
Ball State University, / B.S. and M.A. Degrees in Art

TEACHING
Boise State University Two Years
Ball State University  Thirteen Years

WATERCOLOR AND SCULPTURE
Working in art full time 1977 to Present

Fishing Lodge