Custom hand drawn pen and ink For further information please contact me at: Email: currencygraphix@yahoo.com James Henninger
James Henninger
I was raised in Southern California, from an early age I was interested in creating art. As I grew older I became interested in famous artists. My earliest art influence was Norman Rockwell had been fascinated by the paintings of Bosch, the paintings, etchings and woodblock prints of Durer, and De Vinci’s paintings and drawings. I later became interested in the work of Mark Chagall, who incorporated several different avant-garde techniques in his works that reflects a unique and personal style. I admire his use of vivid color and how he created a fantasy narrative incorporating allegory, religion, memories and storytelling. His portrayal of animals in paintings greatly influenced my work. My style is unique. Although I admire various schools of art including the Impressionists, I am reluctant to have my work categorized; I feel this limits the artist as well as the work. It is perhaps best to refer to my own description – ‘Emotionalism’ – which best sums up his uniquely expressive style. Having experimented extensively with Quills and Sepia tone, I settled some years ago on Pin and Ink as my preferred medium, as I believe they allow me to achieve the atmosphere of compressed energy and passion within my work, and allows my beautifully described figures to live and breathe on the canvas. Jame’s bold and symbolic imagery feels intensely passionate. I paint with my emotions and each painting reflects my drive and energy. The paintings become a roadmap, a guide with many directions, where the viewers decide which path, they wish to experience.
My progressions in art lead me to my own medium products. All my pin and ink work is done in Iron Gull Ink, which I learned to make myself. It is because of the long lasting qualities is why I’ve chosen this for my work. The paper I use for my works, I produce myself and range in tones of bright white to tepid tea shade. Many of my portraits are done in sepia tone and charcoal giving it an antique appearance.
My preference has always been to work at night, mostly listening to talk radio or books on tape, what ever helps the creative flow. I am never entirely sure how the drawing will come out – the drawing seems to create itself. Once something inspires me and takes hold of my imagination, I do some research and began to put the ideas on paper.
I’ve often been asked why I became an artist, all I can answer is, I love that art has no boundaries and anything is possible. Through art I continue to learn about the world around, the history of art, and contemplate it’s future. This is how I make discoveries about my own or other cultures.
When asked what I like to draw, I always answer what ever strikes my interest, is challenging, or something I’ve never done before.
As an artist I’m compelled to keep discovering, evolving and creating. I’m always intrigued by how viewers perceive my work and what it means to them.
Some viewers have a favorite because it reminds them of a particular place that has a significant meaning to them, while others are drawn to a specific work because some element of the work speaks to them. I describe my work as realistic and true to life as I see it. My inspiration comes from everything around me and I believe people enjoy and can relate to the realistic and illustrative style of my work.
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