James English RHA (b.1946)

The Irish artist James English, is noted for his representational* art, particularly his still life painting and landscapes. A member of the Royal Hibernian Academy* (RHA), he has held numerous solo exhibitions and his work appears regularly at the RHA annual exhibition, as well as numerous galleries.

His work is represented in several art collections such as the Office of Public Works (including Leinster House), The National Library, AIB, Jefferson Smurfit Group, National Irish Bank, the Irish Management Institute, Smithwicks, Tara Mines, the collection of former President Mary Robinson, the Concept Gallery Pittsburg USA, and the Royal Hibernian Academy.

Born in Naul, County Dublin, and interested in art from his early youth, he practiced drawing and painting on whatever materials were available, and when these ran out he drew on walls and windows. After working in horse racing, he became a part time student at the National College of Art and Design during the 1970s. He began exhibiting in 1974 at the Balbriggan Town Hall, and has been a full time artist since 1977.

As a painter, James English belongs to the Realist* tradition. He works from sketches and numerous colour notes, usually in his Skerries studio, although his still life studies are done on the spot. He also paints abroad, in Spain, and particularly in The Netherlands and northern Italy, where he enjoys the sharpness of light and local colour tones.

Exhibitions
Over 20 solo shows for James English have been staged in a variety of art galleries including: The Tattan gallery (1976, 77, 78, 79); Gallery 22 Dublin (1980, 1982); The Kilcock Art gallery (1984, 1987, 1991); The James Gallery Dalkey, Dublin (1988, 1990,1993,1997, 2000); the Europa in Brussels (1996); and The Lavit Gallery, Cork, (2001).

In addition, his paintings have appeared at the Royal Hibernian Academy annual show (1979-2008); the RHA Banquet show (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 2003-08); the Oireachtas Art Exhibition (1979, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1991, 2000), and many other group exhibitions in Ireland, Europe and the USA.

He was elected an Academician of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 2005.

Source:
Online Encyclopedia of Irish and World Art
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/irish-artists/james-english.htm

* For more in-depth information about these terms and others, see AskART.com Glossary http://www.askart.com/AskART/lists/Art_Definition.aspx