Artist James Johnston Blanchard, Jr., was born in Michigan in 1970. During the past twenty years of professional experience in the fields of both politics and business, James has remained committed to the pursuit of his creative interests. Having lived in both Michigan and Washington, D.C., he now divides his time between Naples, Florida, and Michigan - with many good friends, a great family, and wonderful parents spread throughout the country.

James holds a bachelors degree in studio art from Michigan State University, where he chose abstract painting as the focal point of his curriculum. He studied closely under accomplished artist and dean of the school, Irving Z. Taran, whose own abstract artistic style remains an influence on James' work. He also hold a masters degree from the same university.

Along with music, James' extensive travel experience has been one of the major sources of the creative ideas and concepts that eventually find expression in his art. Although his finished works are abstract in nature, his compositions are often based on both photographs the artist has taken, and on minds-eye interpretations of unique locales he has visited. Regardless of content, however, one theme is persistent throughout most of the artist's work: shape, line and color create tension and balance, with a consistent awareness and utilization of negative space.

For inquiries and to purchase works, or to have a conversation with the artist about existing projects or commissioned work, please send an email to studiojjbagent@gmail.com.