Degrees in biology and animal behavior from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan underpin the scientific accuracy of Jim’s paintings, and have taught him of the connectedness of all living things. But throughout his life, the natural world has been his real teacher. An avid birder and naturalist, Jim regularly works directly from life, in the field, and makes hundreds of field sketches and paintings every year. The cumulative knowledge he gains in doings so infuses his studio work with authenticity, passion and truth.
Jim has been a professional artist for over 20 years, winning numerous awards and exhibiting in Canada and across the United States. His paintings have appeared in Delta Waterfowl, Upland Almanac, American Waterfowler, The New York Times, and in books published by Ducks Unlimited.