User:Supremecourtportrait/James Cromartie

James Cromartie is credited with introducing the style of Hard-Edge Realism into the art world. This style of painting is done in acrylic paint on wood panel and depicts all objects in the composition in exquisite detail. The resulting work is both dynamic and serene in a style reminiscent of those of Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth. As a lone wolf realistic painter in a world gone wild over abstract art, Jim has often felt overwhelmed but has never quit his crusade to bring realism back to the forefront of art. He describes how he developed the style of Hard-Edge Realism as a result of his mistaken interpretation of Andrew Wyeth's painting technique. Principal among his historical works are "The U.S. Capitol" and the "White House" which were chosen by the U.S. State Department to hang in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow as symbols of democracy. This honor was particularly meaningful because his fourth great-grandfather was James Hoban, the architect who designed the White House. He was also commissioned to paint the Smithsonian Institute's castle, and prints of this painting are presented as gifts by the Smithsonian to visiting dignitaries. James Cromartie is honored to be included in TIME's new art history textbook, ART TALK, which is used in 48 states. In 2006 James Cromartie was commissioned by a patron to paint a portrait of the U. S. Supreme Court building. During 2007, the painting was dedicated by the law firm of Fulbright and Jaworski in Houston Texas in the memory of Michael Shelby to the First District Court of Southern Texas. The U. S. Supreme Court painting is considered as the Third Jewel of historical paintings of government buildings. www.cromartiegallery.com, www.thethirdjewel.com, www.artistsontile.com References: GLENCOE ART TALK, www.art.glencoe.com TIME ART SCENE, Pg.230