Hello, I'm Michael James.

Michael James is an American painter whose work bridges chromatic realism and stylized figuration​,​ known for its bold color sensibility and evocative narratives. Born in Southampton​,​ New York​,​ James studied figurative painting at the Universidad Católica de Chile in Santiago​,​ grounding his practice in classical technique while absorbing Latin American color theory and symbolism. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran​,​ James brings a sense of discipline​,​ grit​,​ and storytelling to his work that resonates across cultures. His paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States and internationally​,​ including the Parrish Art Museum (Southampton)​,​ The Galen at Palm Springs Art Museum (Palm Desert)​,​ MUZEO of Anaheim​,​ the Lancaster Museum of Art and History​,​ the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts​,​ and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in La Serena​,​ Chile. His murals remain permanently installed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms​,​ California​,​ and his work is held in the permanent collection of the Northern Waters Resort in Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science and MBA from California Coast University and completed postgraduate studies in humanities and business at Harvard University and Harvard Extension. In 2020​,​ he completed a residency with the Mendocino County Arts Council and Art Center Ukiah​,​ Northern California. With studios in Michigan​,​ Wisconsin​,​ and California​,​ Michael James continues to develop an acclaimed body of work that explores contemporary identity​,​ land​,​ and myth through richly painted surfaces. His pieces are held in both private and institutional collections​,​ and his reputation continues to grow among curators and collectors drawn to his distinct visual voice.