The art of wildlife with James Tomlinson

Emma Chaplin
, 24 May 2020
The art of wildlife with James Tomlinson
Summer's Here © James Tomlinson

James Tomlinson is a keen birder and nature lover, well known at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve as a volunteer, helping out at events, for example as a 'Guide in a Hide'. He lives in Rye and takes great photographs of wildlife. He is also an artist, so we spoke to him about how his love of birds and graffiti have come together in his work.

IMG 5206

Tell us a bit about your art

As a teenager I was a keen graffiti artist, studying and copying pictures from the iconic book Subway Way Art. Later on I developed my own style on paper, then walls. But now I've gone back to paper and canvas.

My passion for birds and graffiti art have come together with my ‘Feral' series. I want to portray how we are drastically changing the face of the planet and how nature is having to adapt and how we must act responsibly now.

Web Buzz and Woody

What's your process?

I work from home in my studio using a number of mediums acrylics, oils, inks, spray paint and sometimes stickers. The graffiti-ed background is built up over layers, colours are planned out to help define the subject.

I take lots of reference photos while out in the field and sketch out ideas as they come to me. I sometimes wake in the middle of the night and paint. 

Some of my ideas are from reflecting on times gone by in my life and some may be inspired by something I’ve seen out walking that day.

Web James Tomlinson

Large paintings can take over a week. When using a variety of mediums, you have to be careful of drying times and how they act against each other.

Who are your heroes?

Like most enthusiasts of the natural world, Sir David Attenborough is an iconic figure to me. I'm also very interested in the work of Wild Justice (Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery) for bringing crime against nature to the public eye. Also all those who work in the conservation field. 

I find all types of art inspiring and am always drawn in particular to work that makes a statement or observation - current or about the past.

James Tomlinson

How have you been finding lockdown?

I am lucky to live in an area of natural beauty with lots of open space to get my daily exercise, also I have had more time to paint as the country slows down whilst this dreadful pandemic plays out. I've taken part in the Sussex Wildlife Trust Back Garden Bird Race, which is great fun, in particular the last 10 minutes of searching for those last couple of species. I average between 22-30 from where I live.

What's your favourite work of art?

My favourite piece of art is ‘Moon Shine’ by the Etam Cru, (Bezt and Sainer) - amazing street artists. I could never own this piece though, as it’s painted on the side of a house in Richmond USA.

James in hide

James is a great supporter of the Discovery Centre, and has been fundraising by means of his guided walks around the reserve from The Globe pub. These will resume when it's safe to do so.when information about them will be posted here.

 For more of James' work, see here

Leave a comment

Comments

  • LesleyWilkins:

    Love your paintings and thoroughly enjoyed outer walk with you in the nature reserve. Would love to go walking again. Please let me know next ton3 you are planning a walk

    27 May 2020 12:40:00

  • Janet Jaggs:

    Hi James what a talented person you are !!! So interesting looking forward to another fantastic bird watching session with you and visiting you and Paula !!! Keep safe !!! Janet

    29 May 2020 16:19:00

  • Linda:

    Great article look forward to your bird walks in Portugal
    Linda and. Brucexx

    03 Jun 2020 11:46:00

  • Saskia:

    Hi James, blown away by yr art, would love to walk the reserve, seeing it through yr eyes! Pls let me know when y restart those rambles. Do y run courses or hold any exhibitions? I too do paint and write poetry. Pls notify me when I could join you with some friends. Thank you.

    23 Jun 2020 12:30:00

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