James Redding, a popular Bucks County
landscape artist, is well known for the painstaking detail and
unmistakable realism found in his watercolor depictions of
historical landmarks. “I truly enjoy painting these buildings
because of the opportunity it affords me to be a part of the
conservation of these historical treasures,” says the artist.
Redding’s paintings reflect his keen perception of the subject
matter he chooses: “Many times when I begin a new work, I can
envision the completed picture before the first brush stroke. I
usually research the scene long before I make the decision to paint
it.”
Recently, Redding has expanded his repertoire to include
acrylics on canvas. Although he continues to paint in the detailed
style his followers are accustomed to, James has found that the
medium of acrylic offers him the freedom to explore the brilliance
of color hidden within his palette. “Acrylics, unlike oils, dry
quickly and retain their vibrancy. This quality lends itself to
canvas,” the artist comments, “Art is such a unique form of
expression, and painting on canvas is a fresh new way to interpret
the medium.”
Redding has expanded his subject matter to include some of
the simplistic nature scenes found in the rich tapestry of the
Bucks County countryside. As the artist discusses the creation of
one of these paintings, appropriately named “Serenity,” the source
of his inspiration becomes evident: “This piece took shape in the
soft light of a dewy morning when I stumbled across a lovely scene
on a country road. I knew immediately that I had to paint the scene
in front of me. My artistic interest is always captured by what I
see and hope to recreate in my work. In this particular piece, I
found it challenging to capture the mood created by the delicate
play of light at the end of the road mixed with the hazy morning
dew. I have found that some of the most inspiring times of the day
for a landscape artist are dawn and dusk.”
Never content to just create an
attractive picture, Redding strives to capture and express the
unique character of his subjects through the creative and careful
balance of composition, color, lighting, and mood. Admirers of
Redding’s work delight in spending time studying his pieces and
searching out treasures not immediately obvious to the eye. James
Redding was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and has resided in
historical Bucks County since 1984.
