James Coleman
was born in Hollywood, California in 1949. Coleman began his
career with Walt Disney Studios in the summer of 1969, when
his mother, who had been working as a secretary with Disney
since the Hyperion days, got him a job in the studio's mailroom.
His big break came when he entered one of his paintings in the
studio art show. Several of the Disney artists viewing his work,
saw his potential and realized he had an untapped ability and
encouraged him to go into animation background painting. Walt
Disney Productions welcomed his creative energies. His first
film, "Winnie, the Pooh and Tigger, too", sparked
his interest not only in painting backgrounds but also in background
design and color styling.
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James Coleman - a name synonymous with sweeping
skies, tropical rain forests, rich deep woods and silent deserts.
The images created by this talented man continue to delight
all that view them.
James Coleman was born
in Hollywood, California in 1949. As a youth, his creative abilities
seemed to dominate his world. Though he lacked the athletic
skills of his young friends, he more than made up for it with
imagination and ingenuity. As a young man, his interest in filmmaking
and fine art would mark the beginning of a long, successful
career in animated films. Coleman began his career with Walt
Disney Studios in the summer of 1969, when his mother, who had
been working as a secretary with Disney since the Hyperion days,
got him a job in the studio's mailroom. His big break came when
he entered one of his paintings in the studio art show. Several
of the Disney artists viewing his work, saw his potential and
realized he had an untapped ability and encouraged him to go
into animation background painting.
Walt Disney Productions welcomed
his creative energies. His first film, "Winnie, the Pooh
and Tigger, too", sparked his interest not only in painting
backgrounds but also in background design and color styling.
After completing, "The
Rescuers", his first feature film, he was promoted to Background
Department Supervisor, a position he held for nearly seventeen
years. During that time, he personally hired and trained a select
group of artists, whom he would work with for most of his career
at Disney. While at Disney, James styled and worked on twelve
films and over thirty short subjects which included "Mickey's
Christmas Carol", "The Fox and the Hound", "The
Great Mouse Detective", "The Black Cauldron",
"The Little Mermaid", and Academy Award-winning, "Beauty
and the Beast". All of which came to life with James Coleman's
background images gracing the silver screen.
In 1991, after twenty-two years
with Disney, James left to pursue a new career. He was ready
to devote all of his time and talent to the love of his life,
fine art. Today he continues to illuminate the art world with
vibrant colors, gentle moods, powerful design and exquisite
detail.
Coleman works in oil, watercolor,
gouache and pastel. His work is impressionistic and luminous.
His pieces intrigue the eye and touch the heart. His paintings
are warm, inviting and unique. A master of color, light and
design, Coleman has become one of the most collected and sought
after artists around the world. James Coleman pieces can be
found in many fine, personal and corporate collections including
that of the Disney family. Coleman is a naturalist and environmentalist
who involve himself with the National Parks and other environmental
organizations. He has been a finalist for five years in the
Arts for the Parks competition.
The contribution made by Coleman
to the world of art over some thirty years, both in film and
fine art, makes him one of the most collected artists in contemporary
art. His work is represented by some of the most prominent and
respected galleries in North America, the Orient and the Hawaiian
Islands.
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