About James Coleman
James Coleman was born in Hollywood, California in 1949. As a youth, his creative abilities seemed to dominate his world. Though he lacked the athletic skills of his young friends, he more than made up for it with imagination and ingenuity. As a young man his interest in filmmaking and fine art would be the genesis for a long, successful career in animated films. In 1969 Coleman found his creative energies welcomed by Walt Disney Productions. As an animation background designer, Coleman styled and worked on nine feature films and over 30 short subjects. Winnie the Pooh, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast came to life with James Coleman's background images gracing the silver screen. Twenty-two years with Disney found him ready to develop all of his time and talent to the love of his life, fine art.
Today he continues to illuminate the art world with vibrant colors, gentle moods, powerful design and exquisite detail. Coleman works in oil, watercolor, gouache and pastel. His work is impressionistic and luminous. His pieces intrigue the eye and touch the heart. His paintings are warm, inviting and unique. Coleman began doing paintings of the islands in the early 1980's. "Originally Hawaii was an escape for me, a place to recharge my batteries and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a heaven on earth. The land, its history and its people were my secret to serenity and relaxation. Soon my love for these beautiful islands and its people began to translate into my paintings. My desire has been to connect those who view my work with the past, present and future of the Hawaiian experience."
Though traditional in technique and medium, Coleman's tropical pieces are anything but traditional. They are a fresh and unique personal view of Hawaii. A master of color, light and design has in recent years made Coleman one of the most collected and sought after artists in Hawaii and around the world. James Coleman pieces can be found in many fine, personal and corporate collections including the Disney family and corporate collections.
Coleman is a naturalists and environmentalist who involves himself with the National Parks and other environmental organizations. He has been a finalist five years in the Arts for the Parks competition. The contribution made by Coleman to the world of art over the last twenty-six years, both in film and fine art, make him one of the most collected artists in contemporary art. His work is represented by some of the most prominent and respected galleries in North America, the Orient and the Hawaiian Islands.