James Swanson

James is originally from Beloit, Wisconsin and went to college to be a Forest Ranger, but soon discovered that his real talent was painting trees rather than identifying them. That realization prompted him to transfer to The Columbus College of Art and Design, where he found his passion for illustration.

After college, James worked as an Art Director for an advertising agency before transitioning to the illustration world, where he created and illustrated posters, ads, book, and magazine covers for major brands like Budweiser, ESPN, US Tennis Open, McDonald’s, Kraft, and Soap Box Derby, among others. James has since shifted his focus to fine art and has been fortunate enough to be represented by many galleries around the United States.

James has won numerous painting awards, including The Best in Show Award for “The Water Guardian” in the 2024 NOAPS’s America’s Best Small Works a national exhibit at the Sugarman Gallery in Santa Fe NM. He won the prestigious Dorothy Driehaus Mellin $20,000 Fellowship Award at the Oil Painters of America’s 2023 National Exhibit along with and the OPA’s Most Original Award, and Best in Show at the 36th Annual Northern National 2023.

In 2022, James was awarded the Artist in Residence of Mackinac Island Historical State Park, where he spent two weeks creating 13 pieces of art and immersing myself in the island’s rich culture and history.

James is also a sought-after painting instructor with many workshops in the US and Europe, he also teaches on-line classes and workshops throughout the year. He’s known for his good sense of humor and positive teaching style, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for art with aspiring artists.