About J K Brown, the artist

After setting aside his oil paints in his late twenties, then rekindling his passion for painting several years later, James's renewed dedication inspires viewers with his perseverance.   Now known as the” Rugged Coast Artist,” he is leaving his mark on the art world again.  His “old-fashioned” use of oil paint, showing how water can reflect the landscape and sky, expresses his exotic vision of the elusive element of paint.  His ability to capture the excitement of water’s movement, coupled with the sheer magnificence of the landscape paintings, evokes admiration for nature’s wonder. The clear enjoyment of his art is evident, making it easy for viewers to appreciate and understand why James has won several awards for his unique style.  As James puts it, “Now that I see my work has been enjoyed by so many, I will turn my passion loose on everything I do.”

Artist Statement

I grew up near the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, where I spent every possible moment at the beach, watching and listening to the sounds of the waves crashing over and over, and the foam pushed onto the shore. Those memories evoke a sense of nostalgia and an emotional connection to water, which I have called on over the years to deepen my relationship with water and the wonderful coastlines of the Pacific Northwest.  

I started painting early in life, working at my Aunt Dorthy’s art studio, painting ceramic pieces for sale. I found the artist in me in the mid-sixties after moving to Washington State. There is so much beauty here that I felt compelled to capture it on canvas. The greens, blues, and browns are amazing, not to forget the reds, whites, and yellows in the flowers.

I grew even more enamored with the Pacific Northwest coastline and decided to explore the artist in me once more.  The beautiful coastline with its pounding surf and majestic rock formations is more than inspirational – it is a spiritual experience that I hope to share through my art.  I aim to capture this in my art, evoking a sense of awe and reverence for nature's grandeur.

It is exciting for me to visit these wonderful places, and even more satisfying to bring them to life with oil paint on canvas.  Inspired by these images, I translate them into bold, intimate experiences for the viewer.

“For an artist to be successful, they must first invite the viewer into the painting. And last, make it interesting.”

Thank you for visiting. J K Brown