“The last decade has been about dissecting the human form in a process that is energetic, spontaneous and organic. I now find it more powerful to capture the essence of a person rather than to render an exact image. The paintings I make today are one-offs that I couldn’t replicate. They are unique to specific moments, authentic to me. I don’t look for or seek inspiration; I live my colourful life and allow that to guide the path for my practice.”
Labelled as Saatchi’s ‘One to Watch’
James Green, also known as The Artful Green, creates bold, instinctive works directly on raw, unstretched canvas, painting without premeditation or pause. His early pieces were detailed and observational, marked by a striking precision, but after mastering these techniques, Green embraced a more expressive, spontaneous style. Set against the serene backdrop of his Stroud studio, Green’s creative process is unfiltered and instinctive. While he has formal training from Cardiff School of Art & Design, he credits his real education to life itself. “Art school didn’t teach me what art was—it was the world around me.”'
‘Pockets in the Shadows’ is a body-of-work that delves into life’s journey (thus far) - returning to one’s roots after years spent pursuing career progression, relationships, and living on the other side of the world. It is about embracing authenticity, defying societal expectations, and finding contentment within your true self. The work explores the profound essence of human connection through non-representational, gestural portraits & distorted figurative compositions. By moving away from traditional imagery, The Artful Green seeks to evoke the universal experience of connection between individuals, capturing the essence of someone familiar or a complete stranger. “It’s the viewer's job to figure out who the people are - not mine”. These intuitive portraits transcend specific identities, inviting viewers to find familiarity and empathy within the abstract forms.
The collection radiates vibrant unpredictability, where bright colours bleed into moody smudges, sharp lines dissolve into misty abstraction, and paint drips or clumps into thick, textured layers. Sweeping strokes and scribbled details mingle with loose colour washes, creating a dynamic tension. Hints of structure are fleeting, with suggestions of crude calligraphy, figuration, or ghostly human faces surfacing, only to be blurred or partially erased, leaving an atmosphere of mystery.
Since his emergence in the art market, Green has garnered overwhelming acclaim that shows no sign of slowing down. His work is now housed in private collections in 58 countries and has attracted a network of high-profile collectors.
In a bold statement of integrity, Green turned down the opportunity to work with Damien Hirst opting instead to focus on what truly matters—his art and its connection to the viewer. Currently, Green is filming an art documentary with Netflix, further establishing his voice and influence on a global stage, and signalling that his meteoric rise has only just begun.