JamesTurnerArt

Traditional and Digital Artworks

Welcome to James Turner Art

Latest Art Works

Daylillies in gouache

My overgrown back yard in gouache

Demo portrait in oil

Lola

Work In Progress

Thanks for stopping in. Here is the latest project I’m working on, it’s a 40″X30″ acrylic on canvas (grist mill). Estimated finish date next month-ish? (April). Drop in for further updates.

3/25/2020 Not much of an update but I’ve noticed that a lot of artists will only show a finished painting or a finished portion of a painting. So I thought it would be interesting (maybe) to see the intermediary steps of my painting process; to see the ugly (where I start) and the beauty (I hope) when I finish.

4/22/2020 Since the Grist Mill painting ( non-commission) has come to a screeching halt – for now – I’ve started the newest commissions for 2020. I’m currently in the “ULTRA” ugly phase enjoy!.

5/09/2020 Back to the mill. I’ve got to stop detailing rocks or I’ll never finish.

I hope I have something of interest for you, or better yet leave a comment or suggestion about a topic. If it’s questions about work/prices there is an email form at the bottom of the “About” page.

Drop in, say hello, leave a comment, let me know what you think I would really like to know. Just below.

Thanks,

Jim

Portraits

Portraits are charcoal, graphite and digital respectively. Portraiture has been an interest of mine since I first picked up a pencil to doodle.

Capturing a likeness has been my fascination and frustration (less now hopfully!) since I started on my art journey way back even before the 8 bit computer days. If you are interested in seeing my proceess click on the link under “Youtube Videos” at the bottom of the page. I have a few videos in tutorial style or timelapse format.

If you are interested in having a portrait done please drop me a line – commissions are open now – and I’ll email you the details and prices. You’ll find a contact form at the bottom of the “About” page.

Blog posts

Hard and Soft Edges in Digital Painting

by jtart | November 26, 2018 | Opinion | 0 Comments

Using hard and soft edges in your painting does give depth and definition to your subject but more importantly these edges break up the sameness of a painting and make it a whole lot more interesting to look at. Too much Softness (Blending) Not a Good Thing If all...

Cemetery Gate Digital Painting

by jtart | November 5, 2018 | Digital | 0 Comments

My latest painting of a cemetery gate is, to many people, a morose subject. I don't see it that way. What I see is the art and the design of human beings that want to honor the passing of loved ones. Inspiration for the Cemetery Painting Where I live there are many...

Drawing a Face From Imagination

by jtart | October 28, 2018 | How to | 0 Comments

Years ago, when I first tried drawing a face from imagination, it was a total failure. It always looked flat and lifeless, as opposed to the portraits I did from a photograph. When I held them up side by side the reason was obvious. The drawing from imagination ...

Halloween Concept Art – Faeries

by jtart | October 21, 2018 | Halloween | 0 Comments

One of the mythical creatures that doesn't get much mention at Halloween is the 'Faerie'. Though faeries are a popular costume and one is a co-lead in a very popular movie, they aren't the first mention when Halloween comes around. Faeries are the Halloween concept...

Adding Detail to Paintings

by jtart | October 9, 2018 | How to | 0 Comments

This is a pet peeve of mine. When someone wants you to do a portrait for them and you tell them that you need a large, close up, clear photo but they give you a 2.5 inch by 3.5 inch blurry photo. I need detail. So what I end up doing is getting it from similar...

Transition from Traditional to Digital Art

by jtart | October 7, 2018 | How to | 0 Comments

When you transition from traditional to digital art things are going to be awkward at first. So to make the change as quickly and painlessly as possible you want to do the things that make the digital tablet feel as close to traditional as possible. Choose the Right...

Natural Artistic Ability – Real or Not

by jtart | October 5, 2018 | Opinion | 0 Comments

Is there such a thing as natural artistic ability? I'll get my opinion out of the way now, "No, I don't believe there is natural artistic ability" - let the roasting begin. I've met people who seem to be able to draw and paint effortlessly and when I've asked them...

How to Start a Digital Painting

by jtart | October 3, 2018 | How to | 0 Comments

How to Start a Digital Painting First of all, hello and welcome I'm glad you decided to stop by. Now, you want to learn how to start a digital painting. To summarize it, my method starts very loosely. I'll even say it's a sloppy mess, but that is the very best place...

Halloween Concept Art – Familiars

by jtart | October 1, 2018 | Halloween | 0 Comments

Here is the second entry in the Halloween concept art category, a piece about familiars. I try to have a more subtle take on these kinds of subjects, as they're often portrayed as pure gore-fest, during this time of year. That and having grown up during the time of...

How do Artists Sell Their Work

by jtart | September 23, 2018 | Marketing | 0 Comments

How do artists sell their work? I've often wondered why one artist is hugely popular and makes a ton of sales while another is barely able to get their sales off the ground. The one glaringly obvious reason that I was totally blind to - and I think a lot of other...