This blog is in regard to an artist having a love for life and love for his or her's art. An artist needs to know that art is important, but also must be able to give their life (Family, friends, sports, etc....) equal time. A person that don't realize this will eventually burn out on their art. There is room in the heart for both.  I remember one time a fellow artist asked me what would I do if I lost my painting arm and couldn't paint? He said that he would kill himself and wondered if I'd do the same.  I said,"NO!", I wouldn't be happy about it ,but I'd find another way to paint (other arm, foot, mouth....) If you ask anyone that knows me, I think, love, live and breathe my art and it is very important in my life.  I also give time in my life for other things, in doing this gives me material to put in my art.

 "PASSION FOR ART AND LIFE IS A GOOD COMBINATION"

            &nb sp;                         &nb sp;   James Walker Henry

They say don't judge a book by it's cover.  I like to call this the Howard Hughes Effect.  An artist shouldn't judge any of his or hers audience, because that one person thats being ignored by you could be a great patron of your work.  Example, I had an exhibit at a gallery in my hometown.  It was open on Sunday and I was showing my exhibit to my future in-laws. There was only two other people in the gallery at the time. I told my girl that I was going to go and talk to those two women (seemed interested in my work) and gave them a tour of my show.  After that, we went home and put some steaks on the grill. Then, the phone rang and it was the gallery. He said that those two women bought my painting "One Virgin under God".  Since then, they have bought alot more of my works and I keep in touch with them, letting them know about my shows and stuff.  "Howard Hughes Effect" simply is just like  Hughes, he dressed like a poor man ,but had all the money in the world. Always think of anyone that comes to view your work as a potential customer.  GET YOUR WORK OUT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

            &nb sp;                   James Walker Henry

I always wonder if other artists sometimes have the problem of having an idea for a work, but have trouble transfering the idea form your mind to the canvas.  Many times I have ideas and first try and put it down on paper,  From my mind to the paper looks alittle different than what it looked like in my sub-conscious. Then, when putting it on the canvas, looks ...AGAIN....different!   If the finished drawing don't look close to what was first in my mind, I usually destroy the picture (don't want it out there if I don't give it my okay dokay) and start over wih another idea.  Also, I wonder if other artists have  what I call artists block. Thats where an artist will have a subject ,but can't compose a painting from it.  Every once in a while I'll get this and then I feel its time to take a break from painting (usually about a week or two) Then I get right back in there and produce my work. In closing, If you have an idea for a work, don't give up cause if you want it bad enough, the mind will allow it!!!

            &nb sp;                 James Walker Henry

This blog is to question the connection or fine line between insanity and being a genius (or being creative in the art world). I have been in numerous exhibitions in over twenty one years of my career and many times had people make comments like"I hope this guys on medication" or "Must have been done in the institution".  I even had someone warn my ex wife that someone who paints things like that should be watched.....CLOSELY!  I find these comments amusing and realize that my art is getting the reaction that I wanted.  See, the genius in all this is by making the contents of my art bold and sometimes harsh, the painting is actually getting the message across to the viewer. I don't feel that the viewer is dumb, just needs a little jolt on subjects in life and that where people with creative minds come into play.

   "PAINT FOR ONE'S SELF: THEN FOR THE WORLD!

Yesterday I had a call from another artist that is doing rather well, good work.  He asked me how I determine the pricing of my art.  I told him that there are many things to take in consideration when pricing a future masterpeice.  First, is there a demand for your work, are you selling it every day or is a sale here and there.  Second, take in consideration the time and money spent in producing the work.  Third, look at your past exhibition history, are you starting to make a name for yourself.  And finally, if you have been painting for years, you can kinda see how to price them (looking at past sales.)

In reality (coming from a surrealist) there are only a fist full of us artists that will some day be in the art history books. Just continue to do what you do and put that art out there (enjoy doing it, your work won't be as accomplished if you don't want to do it) Who knows, maybe I'llbe buying some of your work at Sothelbys.

 "ART IS LIFE......LIVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If an artist wants their works to be wanted and admired by the world , the subjects or style has to come from the heart.  You wouldn't get quality work if you don't enjoy or beleive in what your doing.  Coming from the midwest ( wild life or landscape art) my parents wanted me to do works in these styles ,because thats what people like in this area and sell. If you do what you love and is in your heart, there will always be an audience, just don't give up!   Paint for you!!!!!!!

            &nb sp;           James Walker Henry

I said that I would put pictures of the painting that Stone Cliff Winery put on their Riesling wine.  That picture plus an actual bottle with the label on it.  I also put pictures of part of my studio (The easel area)  I find it makes the viewer feel more close and personal with the artist if they can see the area where the magic (Painting) begins. I would love some feedback on anything that I show or write about (Comments are welcome!)

"ARTISTS SHOW PAINT FOR ONE'S SELF; THEN AND ONLY THEN, PAINT FOR THE WORLD!"

I feel that people today (not everyone) take this world for granted.   The other day I saw on the news that the rain forests in Brasil and vanishing (Trees produce oxygen and the rain forests produce 20% of earths supply) I am in the process of a new work etitled," Global Apathy"  It depicts a globe(transparent) with a rhino on top. In the middle of the globe is a tree seed that is sprouting.  There is a two person hand saw sawing though the globe.  Underneath the globe are buildings and on either side of this is jungle (trees)

" A LOVED ONE SHOULD BE CHERISHED AND NOT TAKEN FOR GRANTED, FOR ONCE THEY'RE DISMISSED AND GONE, LIFE AS YOU KNOW IT WILL BE TOO!
Translation: Once the oxygen is gone, you are gone

            &nb sp;                         &nb sp;      James Walker Henry

I recently painted a painting entitled" Riesling Da Vine"- I painted this work because of a winery I went to in Dubuque, Iowa.  I fell in love with the Riesling wine they had and thought of this .   The winery is called Stone Cliff Winery and is located at the old Starr Brewery.  We made a transaction and now it is hanging in the winery as a permanent fixture.  I will be uploading a picture of it in a couple of days. So make sure you view my gallery in a few days.

            &nb sp;            James Walker Henry