www.montgomeryleefineart.com

Jim Wilcox

Born June 19, 1941

Resides Jackson Hole, Wyoming

    Living in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, Jackson, Wyoming, and being surrounded by constantly changing inspiration, make it natural to want to convey that beauty to others.  That is what Jim Wilcox has done.  In his 34-year art career, he has not only painted the Tetons and Yellowstone, but has traveled extensively capturing that beauty on canvas.

    His art career began in 1969, when he gave up the security of a teaching job after two years to pursue his real love of painting. With such mentors as Conrad Schwiering and John Clymer encouraging the then fledgling artist, he slowly began making his mark in the art world.

    Today, Wilcox's first love in painting is on location - plen air - but his studio gallery overlooks the National Elk Refuge and the Sleeping Indian Mountain, which provides much inspiration, including his 1987 Prix do West Purchase Award winner, Three Last Minutes of Glory.  He never fails to recognize how lucky he is to live where he does and to be able to share it with others in such a delightful way.

    He works primarily in oils, but occasionally utilizes watercolors or pastels. He uses a broad palette and pays painstaking attention to the composition of his painting, with strong use of light, which he considers his primary subject, and atmosphere.

    Noted for his portrayals of fleeting moments of sunlight playing on nature's scenes, Wilcox has subtly altered the style and direction of his work in recent years.  Critics say the change in his painting style reflects a freshness and confidence. In a profile in Southwest Art, he said, "I'm painting with more economical means these days and with more knowledge and truth, so now I'm suggesting detail rather than rendering it."  Even with the subtle changes in his work, Wilcox continues to be captivated by intense light, sunlight, shadows, form and design.  "But mood," he says, "is still the most important aspect of a landscape painting."

    Wilcox is also well known as an excellent teacher, hosting classes in his studio, and inviting other artists to share the teaching easel.  He recently taught as adult painting class at the National  Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, as part of the Museum's teaching academy, sponsored by the Education Department.

    His art has been featured at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Gilcrease Museum Miniature Show, Denver Rotary Club Artists of America Show and the Wyoming Governor's Invitational.  His work has been profiled in Southwest Art, Persimmon Hill, Art of the West, U.S. Art, Images of the West, Gilcrease Magazine, and Contemporary Western Artists.  In 1994, he won the "Arts for the Parks" competition and grand prize, having won seven awards in that competition during the previous decade.

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Brooks Lake" Item:  #1097 Medium:  Oil Size:  24x30 Price:  $7,500

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Clouds Above the Flats" Item:  #2323 Medium:  Oil Size:  12x16"  Price:  $2,600

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Canyon to the Clouds" Item:  #2318 Medium:  Oil Size:  12x12"  Price:  $1,800 SOLD

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Valley of Reflected Light" Item:  #2320 Medium:  Oil Size:  9x12"  Price:  $1,800

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Spring Bouquet" Item:  #1014 Medium:  Oil on Masonite Size:  12"x9"  Price:  $1,800

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Teewinot Top" Item:  2302 Medium:  Oil Size:  16"x16"  Price:  $2,800

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Towering Teewinot" Item:  #2306 Medium:  Oil Size:  12"x9"  Price:  $1,600

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "A Perfect Sailing Day" Item:  #2321 Medium:  Oil Size:  "8x16"  Price:  $1,800

Artist:  Jim Wilcox Title:  "Winter Breaks Through" Item:  #2299 Medium:  Oil Size:  9"x12"  Price:  $1,800