Originally from the Historical Town of St Albans in Hertfordshire, England James is the son of Welsh rock musician Tony Smith of Lone Star. His father’s Musical career would lead to a life in southern California. At the age of six, James moved with his family to Los Angeles. and was exposed to many diverse and multi-cultural forms of art and creativity there. Being immersed in the art and film industries from a young age, He was strongly influenced by Animation and Comic-Book Art as well as Sci-Fi and Fantasy films. James began drawing detailed pictures at a young age and developed his artistic skill through his teens. He was top of his high school art class during which he was introduced to classical and contemporary art. In College he continued to study Fine Art, Art History, Contemporary and Graphic Art and also pursued his interest in the Arts and Cultures of Africa and Asia . At the Age of Twenty Three James moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and remained there for four years. The Art that James produced during his time in The "Big Easy' was clearly heavily influenced by Cajan and Creole culture as well as the Jazz and Blues Heritage of the City. James also painted several murals around New Orleans and exhibited work in the Famous French Quarter in several galleries and in Jackson square. At the age of Twenty Seven James decided to reconnect with his British heritage and returned to the UK. He first moved Nottingham, where he began experimenting with many different styles including landscapes. He had his first U.K. exhibition was at the Peter Spowage Gallery in Nottingham. A year later James moved to London, where he continues to live and work. At present he is working on classic pen and Ink illustrations for a yet -to-be-published Novel. James recently completed the art Work for a Graphic Novel entitled 'Toon Punk goes Loco on the Gringo Trail'. The book is a digitally illustrated story about a mans search for love and the many twists and turns that finally bring him to the Mayan City of Chiapas, Mexico.
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