"As an artist, I specialize in painting the rural American landscape where I virtually become part of that landscape in my effort to express the infinite beauty given to us by our creator."

Originally from Bucks County Pennsylvania, the major influences on Jim’s work were his father who was a landscape painter, Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, Richard Schmid, the Pennsylvania and the early California Impressionists particularly William Ritschel and Armin Hansen.

" I prefer working ‘en plein air’ whereby I can intimately observe my subject in the pure, natural light. No photographic reference can replace this firsthand experience.  I may revisit the site several times when the lighting conditions are similar in order to reaffirm relationships, simplify the complexities of too much extraneous detail and explore more deeply what initially inspired me to paint the scene.  All of this is made even more exciting when I am so engrossed in my work that suddenly I find that a curious horse or cow has quietly come up behind me and I feel its head almost resting on my shoulder or when it nibbles my French Easel or my brush tips."

Though primarily self-taught, Jim holds a degree in Education, pursued an MA with a concentration in painting at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His work has been featured in publications such as Plein Air Magazine, Sports Afield and his originals as well as Giclée prints are included in numerous private collections.

Jim is a member of The American Artists Professional League in New York and an Associate Member of the Oil Painters of America. He maintains a studio in Medford, New Jersey.

For further information on J. S. Jackson's Education, National Juried Exhibitions, Regional Juried Exhibitions, Selected Publications, Awards, Professional Organizations please visit the artist's website.