Contact Email: vanfossanstudio@gmail.com Website: www.jamesvanfossan.comA self-taught artist, James Van Fossan spent the majority of his early life working in the corporate field. Only eight years ago did he abandon steady employment for his true passion, art. Living master and close friend, Duffy Sheridan, introduced James to oil painting through casual studio sessions, where they discussed art and its philosophies more than they put brushes to canvas. Still, this rare and profound influence was enough to nudge Van Fossan into oils after a lifetime of working in graphite.
"What my work to-date represents is my study of the language and craft of oil painting. Words, like paintings, are used to express our hearts to others. However, a painting can say so much more, and is understood as though it were a universal language. I paint in a realistic manner simply because I feel my primary goal is to represent truth, reality, and to tell the story. I desire to paint and to speak clearly so that the more important matter of
what I am trying to say comes through. Like any great craft, the time and detail fostered into a work of realism commands attention and invites the viewer to understand, or at least to consider, the painting. To share my philosophies and thoughts with others in such a beautiful and historical art form is a privilege I am determined to honor as I continue to work with all of my heart and mind on this life-long mission."
Today, James Van Fossan commands some of the highest recognitions in realism. In 2009, he was invited to join the prestigious International Guild of Realism. His work has been featured in American Art Collector, International Artist Magazine, Southwest Art, Western Art Collector as well as other art and lifestyle publications.
To see more of James Van Fossan's works, please visit his website:
www.jamesvanfossan.comHe is currently represented by
SR Brennen Galleries Palm Desert, Scottsdale, and Santa Fe.
Curriculum VitaeSOLO EXHIBITIONS
2011 "Rhythms of Grace", Cathedral Center for the Arts, Phoenix, Arizona
2009 "Face Forward; A Benefit for Mending the Soul Ministries", Rive Gauche Art Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2013 Salon International Greenhouse Gallery San Antonio, TX
2012 World of Art Showcase, Las Vegas, NV
2012 7th Annual International Guild of Realism Salon, Carmel, CA
2011 83rd Annual American Artists Professional League Grand National Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York, New York
2011 International Guild of Realism 6th Annual Exhibition, Sage Creek Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2011 Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona
2011 "Martinis & Masterpieces", The Children's Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
2011 "Sacred Places" & "Sacred Messages", Herberger Theater, Phoenix, Arizona
2010 82nd Annual American Artists Professional League Grand National Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York, New York
2010 International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas
2007 "Fresh Eyes", The Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona
AWARDS
2012 Finalist, Art Renewal Center's International Figurative Category, 2011/2012 ARC Salon
2011 Collectors' Choice Award, International Guild of Realism Exhibition, Santa Fe, New Mexico
2011 Finalist, Art Renewal Center's International Figurative Category, 2010/2011 ARC Salon
2010 Third Place, Cover Art Contest, Artist Portfolio Magazine
2010 Raymond Chow Memorial Award. 82nd Grand National Exhibition: American Artists Professional League, New York
2010 Finalist, Art Renewal Center's International Figurative Category, 2009/2010 ARC Salon
2010 Honorable Mention, International Masters of Fine Art, San Antonio, Texas
2009 Finalist, The Artist's Magazine 26th Annual Art Competition: Portrait/Figure Category, December issue
2009 Inductee into the International Guild of Realism, Scottsdale, Arizona
2008 Finalist, International Artist Magazine, Scottsdale, Arizona
2007 2nd place award recipient: Drawing Category, Phippen Museum Western Art Show, Prescott, Arizona
2006 Recipient of the Phippen Family Award, The Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona
2005 Semi-Finalist, Art Renewal Center's International Figurative Category, ARC Salon
