Metcalf Design - Fine Art Galleries

James R. Metcalf

James received his BFA degree in painting and drawing from Arizona State University. His main painting medium was and is transparent watercolor. After graduation he worked as a graphic artist, illustrator and art director with various design studios, ad agencies, corporations and national magazines. This experience has given him an opportunity to hone his skills in composition and explore new interests in photography and printmaking. James has taught watercolor classes for Mesa Community College.

His illustration work has won him a Gold Award of Excellence and a Silver Award of Excellence from the Phoenix Art Directors Club. His illustrations have graced the cover of Arizona Highways Magazine. One of his watercolors won an Award of Merit from the Scottsdale Artists League Annual Exhibit and Sale. James' paintings have been purchased by collectors in Japan, Alaska and Hawaii. His work hangs in private homes, offices and banks.

One of James' on-going passions is his love of photography. The play of color, light and shape fascinates him. His interest has grown and developed throughout his career while working with some of the finest commercial and fine art photographers as an art director and designer.

Nature and the desert Southwest landscape hold special interest and are a constant source of inspiration for his painting, photography and printmaking. Each of his works of art is original — sometimes straight-forward, sometimes impressionistic, and always from his heart.

"Art is not about what you see, but what you make others see."
- Edgar Degas, French painter and sculptor (1834-1917)

You can see more of James' photography at: iStockPhoto.com