James Burkholder recently won first place in the art contest sponsored by the Colors of Humanity Art Gallery. The painting Paradiso shows a pair of Macaws in the jungles of Costa Rica. The category was “Animals”. Here is the bio of James that was printed with the award:
I began my endeavors in art very young as my mom was an artist who provided me with the basic tools and techniques to get started. In high school, I took art electives and had excellent teachers who covered many styles. The summer of my senior year, I joined a group of kids who were fortunate to take a workshop with Don Cincone, a professional artist from Louisiana who taught us his style. He encouraged us to “feel the inspiration and color.” It was awesome at a young age to actually sell paintings under his guidance.
I attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX and graduated with a Biology degree. Since I was taking so many science labs, I was able to take independent study art classes where I painted in the evenings and took guidance from professor Gus Farmer on my art projects.
Taking a leave from painting, I attended Baylor Dental College in Dallas, TX. After graduating, I practiced Dentistry in Harlingen, TX for 37 years, specializing in Restorative and Implant dentistry. During that time I painted as a hobby, participating in art shows such as RioFest Harlingen and Beachcombers Art show at South Padre Island. I also played (and still play) guitar in a classic rock band, The Retro Rockers.
After retiring from dentistry, I started painting full time. My interests have been using acrylics with subjects of wildlife, landscapes, still life, and seascapes. Inspiration for most of my art has been from many hunting and fishing trips as I love wildlife and always take my camera. Our many travels to Costa Rica, Panama, Italy, and the Caribbean have had influence on my paintings. Recently, I have changed to using oils (water soluble) with a special interest in plein air. I recently attended the Plein Air Live, a virtual art conference, and painted along with many professional artists. I also plan to attend the PACE 2025 plein air convention and expo. Living near South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico, I have been painting seascapes, underwater aquatic scenes, and fishing boats docked in the local marinas.
The tropical rainforest of Costa Rica is the setting of this painting, Paradiso by Jim Burkholder of Rockartscity Gallery. Inspiration for the painting comes the painter’s time spent hiking and taking photos of wildlife on the coast and the jungles of Monteverde . The Macaws were in this pose perching on vines covered with moss and bromeliads in Manuel Antonio Refuge in Quepos. Paradiso is an 18″ x 24″ acrylic on canvas. Prints are available for $225 (unframed) plus tax and shipping. Please contact our gallery here to purchase. In addition, please go to our facebook page for updated information