Stephen James

After originally working as a musician, Stephen studied History and Art History at University but found painting to be more interesting.  He started by copying 17th century Dutch paintings, then turned to watercolour.  Since 2000 Stephen has painted in oil, often using a palette knife.

"My main intention is to capture the atmosphere and drama of the scene.  I look for places which have vast and evocative skies and a landscape of elemental simplicity.  It is this simplicity which matters most to me; the fewer 'things' there are in a painting the greater room for atmosphere.  I paint with a palette knife in oil which allows me to reduce detail and go for a broad and spontaneous approach.  I often paint East Anglia and Edward Seago has been a major influence on my landscape painting."