"I am a landscape painter. I simplify the landscape around me in coastal Virginia and in the great plains and high deserts of the American Southwest. When walking by the sea or through canyons, I see form, shape, line, and texture as revealed by light and color. I translate this to the canvas using acrylic paint applied intuitively and moved around with scrapers, knives, fingers, sticks, etc. My work is not site-specific but I do relate to colors and conditions. I paint my remembered impressions and attempt to create the mystery of ancient places and the passage of time, weather, and man. Edges, texture, and surface are important elements of my work which I strive to be spontaneous, luminous, spare, and deep." Jim Pittman was born in Wakefield, VA. He has a B.A. degree in Art History from William & Mary in WiIliamsburg, VA. He taught art and founded the art departments for two high schools in Tidewater, VA. He continued his education with summer studies in Italy, Spain, and watercolor workshops on the coast of Maine. He was a traditional watercolorist for many years, and then after a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, he was inspired to work with more color and texture. He is now working with acrylic on canvas. His colors are those of the Southwest: yellows, reds, oranges, and the earth colors. He completed his "canyon series," one of which was acquired by the Denver Art Museum for their permanent collection of contemporary art. Pittman is a signature member of the Rocky Mountain National Watercolor Society, and the National Watercolor Society. He has served on the jury for the NWS as well. After dividing his time between Boulder, CO and coastal VA, he has settled in Williamsburg, VA with his wife and fellow artist Carole Barnes.