James E. Tennison graduated from the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California in 1982. He cites his time at ArtCenter, where he studied under such artists as Dan McCaw and John Asaro, as his most formative educational experience. After graduating, he spent several years as a freelance illustrator, eventually making the transition from illustration to portraiture and fine art.
Inspired by local subjects that surround him on Whidbey Island, Washington – as well as those he finds on his travels – James seeks to paint the beauty he sees all around. What really excites him is the effect of light – sunlight and shadow – and the colors that can be seen in shadows and reflected light if one looks closely.
Tennison’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries throughout the United States, including the Salmagundi Art Club in New York City, the Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, Washington and Galerie Kornye West in Fort Worth, Texas. He has participated in many group shows and competitions and has had a one man show titled “A Year In Fort Worth”.
His awards include the Salmagundi Art Club Purchase Prize: the People’s Choice, First Honor Award and Awards of Excellence from the Portrait Society of America’s International Competition; the Oil Painters of America Award of Excellence and Online Showcase Silver Medal; and Ray Mar Art Competition Best of Show Award.
His portrait commissions have taken him across the United States and to England. He has painted portraits for Harvard University, New York University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, The National Cancer Institute, the New York County Lawyer’s Association as well as many other public and private collections. His commissions include the official portraits of former Texas Governors Ann Richards and Rick Perry, which hang in the state capitol in Austin.
He is a Master Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America, a signature member of Portrait Society of America, an Artist Member of the California Art Club, an Artist Member of the Salmagundi Art Club in New York City and an Artist Member of the Society of Animal Artists.