James McDonald RSW

James McDonald is a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, where he completed his degree and postgraduate year 1974-1979.  Working initially in the field of printmaking, particularly advance intaglio techniques, he printed and exhibited his own etchings, as well as editioning those of other artists including Dame Elizabeth Blackadder DBE RA RSA and John Bellany CBE RA.  As a freelance Master Printer, he also produced copperplate maps for Bartholomew's of Edinburgh.  He travelled, lived and exhibited in Sweden and Belgium, prior to setting up the Art & Design Department in Cumbernauld College in 1983.  Deciding to concentrate on painting, he first exhibited photo-realist drawings with Compass in the mid 1980s where, much encouraged, he sold his first attempt at serious painting - he says, "A rather faltering, but lovely wee gouache of old books".  His paintings are meticulous depictions, trompe L'oeil still lifes and exquisite portraiture presented in the manner of an Old Master.  A perfectionist eye for detail, he explores numerous themes, from the significance of ordinary objects (often mysterious) to portraits and mementos of family members.  His landscapes, sometimes sinister, have an unfailing aesthetic, and document his wanderings from home to studio and other far off lands.  James' style focuses on photo- and hyper-realism and merges ancient traditions with a modern outlook, constructing a poetic world of his own - the concerns and skills echoing famous 16th and 17thcentury painters.  A film maker and an articular and descriptive author, James has published four limited edition Artist's Books, which provide a deep insight into the mind of a truly dedicated artist, and what inspires his creativity.