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James KelsoBorn London, England. Educated Sloane School, Chelsea. Self-taught painter. I work with acrylics, oils, watercolour and graphite on board and paper. I've exhibited in galleries throughout Britain and also in America. I regularly submit to The Royal Academy and have shown at other London venues including The Royal Society of British Artists - The Mall Galleries - The Royal Festival Hall and The London Stock Exchange. Paintings are in private collections in America, Australia, Britain, France and Sweden and prints have been sold worldwide.
The Methods Build quality is of paramount importance. I paint on hardboard rather than canvas because I often scratch and distress the paint. Canvas has a certain cachet but it has no intrinsic merit. It was originally introduced so paintings could be rolled up for transport. I cover the smooth side of the hardboard with six coats of gesso, and sandpaper this until the surface is silky. Finally, I apply a coat of acrylic titanium white and rub this down. The result is a bright white surface, tough and robust, yet smooth and highly reflective. I paint as thinly as possible to achieve maximum colour brightness. I use the finest light-fast water-soluble oils, acrylics and watercolour paints and sometimes mix mediums on the same panel. I write all build and restoration information on the back of each work. I believe you’ve never ‘seen’ a painting until you have actually ‘seen’ it, in 3D, in real life. Photographs can only show so much. Nothing can replace the experience of reality. If you don’t damage, burn or submerge the paintings, they could last 1000 years. If they don't, well, get back to me. |
