Jim Lagasse
Bangor, USA
philosophy student turned full-time artist
I use Maine’s landscape to fill my composition. Mostly birch trees and snow covered fields and woods. I like to use a small amount of colors but also make the colors I use very effective in a painting.
Jim Lagasse – a self taught artist!
For the most part, I am self-taught. I did take an art class in college, but the professor was not a fan of my work. I just couldn’t get the concept of abstract the way she did. I started working with watercolors few years back and I am excited that there is a whole new world of painting with this medium.
At what age did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I realized I was an artist only in my 40’s when people starting buying original pieces of art from me. Thanks to the ability to showcase my art on the internet.
What is the earliest artwork you did that you can remember?
My earliest artwork happened in college. I painted in high school but my passion started in college when I started working with oil paints. The professor didn’t like my pieces because they looked too real. She was an abstract artist. The rest of the students in the class loved them so that inspired me to keep moving.
Which classical or contemporary artists have inspired you?
I always liked Andrew Wyeth. I loved the way he used just a couple of colors in each piece. His subject matter was breath-taking.That would make each piece tell a story and yet look so real. I did start watching Bob Ross when I was younger. He always made it look so easy.
How would you describe your artistic style?
My style looks like a Maine artist. I use Maine’s landscape to fill my composition. Mostly birch trees and snow covered fields and woods. I like to use a small amount of colors but also make the colors I use very effective in a painting.
When did you first sell an artwork? How did you feel?
My first sale was an oil painting of Fenway Park in Boston. I was so excited that I sold it but didn’t realize I had to wait at least 2 weeks to ship it as it was still wet. It gave me inspiration to keep painting. I went off and started another painting within the hour.
What's your workstyle? Do you work on one piece at a time or work simultaneously on multiple pieces?
I like to work on one piece at a time. I also try to finish each piece in one sitting. Watercolor paints allow me the time to do this because they dry so fast. I will paint on the kitchen table if I have too. Once I get the idea in my head on what subject to paint, I usually start right away.. I like to paint everyday to stay fresh.
How do you get the inspiration for a new piece?
The subject matter in Maine is very inspiring. I take pictures or get ideas from books or images. Winter paintings are my favorite subject to paint but my least favorite time of year.
Tell us a bit about your personal life ...
I live in Maine with my wife and two kids. My oldest son is in the Army overseas fighting terror and will continue his career in engineering and my youngest is only in the fourth grade. He is a whizz at chess and fencing and he keeps me on my toes. We like to camp and travel New England. The cats make us come back home.
“I am happy to be alive as long as I can paint.” ~ Frida Kahlo
A few pieces from Jim Lagasse’s gallery
Living Alone
Purple Haze
Why they love Jim Lagasse’s art
Jennifer, Los Angles, California.
Jim did a watercolor painting of one of the photos from my friends’ wedding. He was able to turn around the product in a relatively short period of time and the final product is better than I could have anticipated. He included the perfect level of detail. I am excited to give the gift!.
Tracy, Bangor, Maine
Absolutely gorgeous work! What an honor it is to have one of Jim’s pieces. Thank you so much, Jim.
More about Jim Lagasse
Shows & Exhibitions
Picture Clear Art. Broadcasting & Media Production Company in Brooklyn, New York.
Press:
Painters-Online the website for Leisure Painter and The Artist magazines An article on how to paint small ACEO paintings