Jim began oil painting at the young age of 10, under the instruction of his father. Jim later studied commercial art and illustration in college, while pursuing private instruction in oils. He has exhibited his work in dozens of shows and galleries throughout the United States, and has received more than fifty awards. Jim was chosen as one of the top 100 artists for Arts in the Park’s National Art Contest. In 1992 he received the Artist of the Year Award by the greater St. Louis Art Association.
