Jim's great love of the outdoors and the mutable character of nature are what draw him to landscape painting. Jim grew up in the rural fringe of Johnson City, New York. Here his love of the out of doors was apparent from an early age, exploring nearby farms, creeks and countryside. Summers camping in the Catskills, where the spirit of the Hudson River School painters once trod, instilled a sense of place and history.

In the 50's, Jim's family moved to Rochester, Minnesota. Here his love for the outdoors and nature continued to grow exploring nearby limestone hills and farmlands. He spent countless hours there subsequently drawing, unearthing fossils and collecting insects.

With a career as a graphic Designer, Art Director and Creative Director, Jim is currently principal of Henley Design Inc., working with small businesses as well as fortune 500 companies. Clients include American Express, GMAC Financial Services, Maiden Holdings, Boatman Learning, Vantage Point Performance, and US Bank.

Jim has attended workshops and classes with notable Plein Air painters; Reid Galey, Skip Whitcomb, Ron Rencher, Joe Paquet, Ralph Oberg, Mary Pettis and ongoing classes at The Atelier in Minneapolis.
Awards
"Award of Excellence"
2010 Red Wing Plein Air Art Festival
1st Place
The John C. Koenig Award
2009 Jaques Art Center
Plein Air Event & Exhibition
"Award of Excellence" Quick Paint
2009 Red Wing Plein Air Art Festival
2010 Exhibitions:
Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Members Show
Red Wing Plein Air Art Festival
2009 Exhibitions:
Jaques Art Center Plein Air Event
Zumbrota Covered Bridge Plein Air on the Zumbro Event
Red Wing Plein Air Art Festival
2008 Exhibitions
Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Members Show
Grand Marais Art Colony Plein Air Competition
Jaques Art Center Paint Out - Aitkin
Red Wing Plein Air Art Festival