Woof and Water
a 3-day oil painting workshop
with James Swanson
We're excited to welcome James Swanson to DaVinci Studios for a workshop April 10-12th, 2025.
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James is excellent at painting all types of animals, but is perhaps best known for his paintings of dogs moving in water. His paintings continue to win many awards including multiple "Best of Show" awards. He is also a sought-after painting instructor, having taught hundreds of online and in-person classes. He’s known for his positive teaching style filled with encouragement and humor. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for art with aspiring artists.
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Join James in a 3-day painting workshop to explore the beauty of water and dogs. Using stunning photos of golden retrievers, Bjorn and Fenrir, as inspiration, participants will learn simple techniques to create two beautiful paintings.
The workshop will guide participants step-by-step, teaching them to capture the energy of water and the playful spirit of these furry friends. By the end, participants will have gained the skills and
confidence to express their own artistic vision.
Painting demos, discussions, critiques, and plenty of painting time
will be provided. All necessary photos will be supplied. The workshop will be exciting, challenging with a lighthearted tone.
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Date & Time
April 10-12, 2025
9:30am to 4:30pm
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Location
Sugar Land Art Center
104 Industrial Blvd.
Sugar Land, TX 77478
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Cost
$600
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James Swanson
Learn more about James below !
The Water Guardian
Awarded “Best in Show” at the 2024 NOAPS America’s Best Small Works National Exhibit.
More about James
Morning Swim
Awarded the prestigious $20,000 Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship Award, and OPA’s Most Original Award at the 2023 OPA National Exhibit.
Originally from Beloit, Wisconsin, James and went to college to be a Forest Ranger, but soon discovered that his real talent was painting trees rather than identifying them. So, he transfered to The Columbus College of Art and Design, where he found his passion for illustration. After college, he worked as an Art Director for an advertising agency before transitioning to the illustration world, where he created and illustrated posters, ads, book, and magazine covers for some of the largest brands in the world.
After shifting his focus to fine art, James has won numerous painting awards, including “Best in Show” for “The Water Guardian” in the 2024 NOAPS America’s Best Small Works National Exhibit. At the 2023 OPA National Exhibit, his painting "Morning Swim" won the prestigious $20,000 Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship Award, and OPA’s Most Original Award. He also won "Best in Show" at the 36th Annual Northern National 2023.
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In 2022, he was awarded the Artist in Residence of Mackinac Island Historical State Park, where he spent two weeks creating 13 pieces of art and immersing himself in the island's rich culture and history. He’s been featured in Southwest Art Magazine as “one to collect”.
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James is a Signature Member of American Impressionists Society, Oil Painters of America, National Oil & Acrylic Society​. He's also a member of Portrait Society of America, and Society of Animal Artists.
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Gallery Representation includes:
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The Wilde Meyer Art Galleries - Scottsdale and Tucson, AZ
Reinert Art Gallery - Charleston, SC
The Dutch Art Gallery - Dallas, TX
The Little Mackinac Gallery - Mackinac Island, MI
Cole Art Gallery Edmonds - WA
The Marine Gallery - Bonita, FL
James Ross Gallery - Indianapolis, IN
On the Lookout