James S. Maxwell Jr.: Artist Statement

I never took any art courses. I never went to art school. I have felt that if instructed in art I might lose my personal vision &/or have my directions &/or methods diluted. In the 1960's I often skipped out of high school & went to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D. C. to look at paintings all day.

For many years I doodled endlessly when I would talk on the phone. A number of years ago I put some color onto the notebook paper that I had doodled on. I then decided that a move to canvas would be appropriate.

Some people have said that my paintings make them think that I am obsessed. My response is that I am just beginning to get warmed up with obsession.

I look forward to a much more obsessed & far more detailed future!

Torpedo Factory of Alexandria, Va. Special Exhibit: Art of The Chair approx. 1990

Washington, D. C. Law Offices Invitational Furniture Exhibit approx. 1990

Lititz, Pa. Art Exhibit in the Park approx. 1996

Virginia Caputo Gallery, Lancaster, PA,. 2 person exhibit 2002

Virginia Caputo Gallery, Lancaster, PA,. 2 person exhibit 2003

Virginia Caputo Gallery, Lancaster, PA,. 2 person exhibit 2004

Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster, PA, Juried Exhibit 2003

Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA, 2003 Member's Exhibit

Award Winner at Lancaster County Art Association, Strasburg, PA, Fall Members’ Exhibit 2004

Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Juried Exhibit 2004

Lancaster County Art Association Countdown 2005 Exhibit at the Virginia Caputo Photography Gallery, Lancaster, PA

Quarryville, PA Library Art Show, January 2005

Honorable Mention Lancaster County Art Association, Strasburg, PA, Membership “Surprise” Exhibit

Virginia Caputo Photography Gallery, Lancaster, PA, Solo Exhibit 2005

Kutztown, PA Invitational Salon Exhibit of Small Works, Spring 2005

Lancaster County Art Association Membership Exhibit, May-June 2005, Lancaster County Art Association

Lancaster Art Museum Open Exhibit, June 2005

Steinmetz Gallery, LCAA, Strasburg, PA, Solo Exhibit, February 2006

Honorable Mention, Spring Membership Show, LCAA, Strasburg, PA, May 2006