About Barbara James

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Primarily self-taught, I grew up drawing and painting (watercolor and now oil) for most of my life. I have been fortunate enough to be able to immerse myself more fully in art in the last 10+ years. I have been taking classes, going on painting trips, and spending many joyful hours in my studio. 

 

As a painter, I am drawn the complex relationship of light and dark as they help tell a painting's story. I strive to grasp emotion and express it on canvas; I want the viewer to feel something when they look at my paintings. 

 

I enjoy plein-air painting, but most of my finished pieces are done in my studio from reference photos or my watercolor travel journals. Originally an East Coast native, I now paint in lovely San Diego, California. I hope you enjoy my work!