about the artist
Howdy! I’m Jim Catlin, some close friends call me Jimmy. My primary residence is FAIRFAX, a small town in Marin County, CA. It’s been my home for the past 35 years.
I am primarily a Pen and Ink artist. I love the contrast possibilities in black and white, the dark and the light: employing CHIAROSCURO wherever possible. I want my images to ‘POP’ off the paper. I’m endlessly fascinated with line-work, cross hatching and stippling.
I love being outdoors, especially in wild, open places. Often on a hike, a ride or a drive I become aware of a view, or an object with strong, contrasting shadows or compelling imagery I find irresistible. I often do a field sketch in pencil and take photos, then, in my studio I develop a more finished composition.
I draw because it satisfies a deep urge to connect with my subject and its surroundings. The act of drawing quiets my soul and imparts inner peace. It settles me and soothes my rough edges.
I want my artwork to inspire people to get OUT THERE: anywhere away from the hustle/bustle of our frantic existence. Embrace nature in all of its wonder and mystery, find personal peace, reflect and be grateful for life and enjoy life more fully.
Biography
I was born in Pasadena, CA, 1953, and spent my first 24 years in the Los Angeles area. My Dad was a great artist and inspired me in many ways: garden design, floral design, drawing and painting. He helped to teach me to believe what I see, rather than seeing what I believe and the importance of observation.
I doodled and sketched often as a youngster but never took art very seriously. It was in my early college days I began taking general art and life drawing classes at Pasadena City College.
In 1977 I left Los Angeles and moved to Mammoth Lakes, CA where I worked seasonally as a wild land firefighter (USFS), and a cross-country ski instructor/wilderness guide. Seasonal work allowed for me to exploit my passion for wilderness travel and backcountry adventures. With no TV for seven years I spent more time on my artwork and my passion for drawing grew.
Then, in early 1980, I had an unfortunate, near fatal car accident enroute to a ski instructor’s certification exam. My right femur was shattered, plus a fracture to both the right knee and hip socket. These injuries required traction for over 40 days in the Tahoe Forest Hospital, Truckee, CA, then 4 months of casts and immobilization then extensive rehabilitation.
Once I was stabilized I began drawing in bed and I amazed myself and others with my creations. My art became a refuge and therapy and helped to cure my post crash induced depression.
Eventually I healed and resumed my mountain lifestyle, but I was a changed man, eventually leaving Mammoth and pursuing a career in Landscape Architecture. My artwork was my inspiration and at Cal Poly SLO, CA I took numerous free elective art classes as I completed my LA degree.
Now retired I’m able to more fully focus on my artwork with undivided attention. I get excited when I enter my studio knowing that endless possibilities exists for me to express on paper.