James
Coleman...
James Coleman - a name synonymous with sweeping skies, tropical rain forests,
rich deep woods and silent deserts. The images created by this talented
man continue to delight all that view them.
James Coleman was born in Hollywood, California in 1949.
As a youth, his creative abilities seemed to dominate his world. Though
he lacked the athletic skills of his young friends, he more than made
up for it with imagination and ingenuity. As a young man, his interest
in filmmaking and fine art would mark the beginning of a long, successful
career in animated films. Coleman began his career with Walt Disney Studios
in the summer of 1969, when his mother, who had been working as a secretary
with Disney since the Hyperion days, got him a job in the studio’s
mailroom. His big break came when he entered one of his paintings in the
studio art show. Several of the Disney artists viewing his work, saw his
potential and realized he had an untapped ability and encouraged him to
go into animation background painting.
Walt Disney Productions welcomed his creative energies.
His first film,” Winnie The Pooh and Tigger, Too,” sparked
his interest not only in painting backgrounds but also in background design
and color styling.
After completing, “The Rescuers,” his first
feature film, he was promoted to Background Department Supervisor, a position
he held for nearly seventeen years. During that time, he personally hired
and trained a select group of artists, whom he would work with for most
of his career at Disney. While at Disney, James styled and worked on twelve
films and over thirty short subjects which included “Mickey’s
Christmas Carol,” “The Fox and the Hound,” “The
Great Mouse Detective,” “The Black Cauldron,” “The
Little Mermaid,” and Academy Award-winning, “Beauty and the
Beast.” All of which came to life with James Coleman’s background
images gracing the silver screen.
In 1991, after twenty-two years with Disney, James left
to pursue a new career. He was ready to devote all of his time and talent
to the love of his life, fine art. Today he continues to illuminate the
art world with vibrant colors, gentle moods, powerful design and exquisite
detail.
Coleman works in oil, watercolor, gouache and pastel.
His work is impressionistic and luminous. His pieces intrigue the eye
and touch the heart. His paintings are warm, inviting and unique. A master
of color, light and design, Coleman has become one of the most collected
and sought after artists around the world. James Coleman pieces can be
found in many fine, personal and corporate collections including that
of the Disney family. Coleman is a naturalist and environmentalist who
involve himself with the National Parks and other environmental organizations.
He has been a finalist for five years in the Arts for the Parks competition.
The contribution made by Coleman to the world of art
over some thirty years, both in film and fine art, makes him one of the
most collected artists in contemporary art. His work is represented by
some of the most prominent and respected galleries in North America, the
Orient and the Hawaiian Islands. |
