James McFarlane uses centuries-old techniques to create contemporary still-life works that embody a feeling of timelessness.
The elegance and serenity of his works are quickly apparent; longer contemplation hints at the depth of his technical expertise, meticulous planning and disciplined practice.
Calm, lustrous paintings of beautiful objects pleasingly arrayed are borne of countless hours and days of labour. Each work can take months to complete, as McFarlane applies layer after layer of delicate oil paint wash, waiting for each to dry before proceeding.
Inspired by Dutch and Flemish old masters, it’s a repetitive and meditative process McFarlane has been refining since his early days as an artist.
Born in 1985, he acquired his first studio space in 2014 and trained with artist Tony Smibert in 2015.
His 2022 debut show Act One: A Brush with James, under the direction of Sonya Hender, was a near-sell-out. Twenty-three works were displayed alongside the artefacts captured within them: gleaming objects of porcelain, glass and copper against Persian rugs, antique furniture and cut flowers, creating an immersive sensory experience.