Through his art, James-Allan Holmes invites his audience to embark on a journey of self-discovery, prompting reflection and introspection.

Artwork Archive's Featured Artist James-Allan Holmes weaves together the worlds of entrepreneurship and artistry to create captivating and thought-provoking expressions. 

With a rich background in business, James has established himself as a serial entrepreneur, spearheading ventures across industries including mortgage banking, real estate, motorsports sponsor management, business development, Internet marketing, and professional coaching. 

Yet, beyond the boardrooms and business meetings, James finds solace and inspiration in the realm of art. 

As an artist, James delves into the depths of his life experiences, beliefs, and aspirations, channeling them into profound artistic expressions. His intuitive lens provides a unique perspective, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricacies of human emotion and connection. 

Each brushstroke, each composition, serves as a canvas for James to articulate his innermost thoughts and feelings.

In his own words, James articulates his artistic philosophy: "Everything internalized, the experiences I have, the people in my life, my hopes and dreams, my faith are all reflected from heart, mind, and soul through the prism of my intuitive lenses..." 

His works serve as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of the human experience and inviting viewers to explore the depths of their own emotions.

Artwork Archive had the chance to chat with James Holmes about how his intuition impacts his creative process, advice he has for artists, and how Artwork Archive helps him manage his studio and art career! 

You can see more of his work on Discovery and learn more about his art practice below.

James-Allan Holmes pictured in his studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Do you have a favorite or most satisfying part of your process? If so, can you share a bit about it?

I love what I consider the three phases in my work: the beginning, derived from impulse; the midpoint, where the painting leads me to the evolving gestures, colors, and tools; and finally, the end, where the piece is completed.

My painting practice involves multiple layers of acrylic paint that are applied in one painting session of three to four hours, or multiple painting sessions over days, weeks, and sometimes months.

The process of making the work is both intuitive and reactive depending upon the piece and how clear or complicated the inspiration is at the time the work begins. 

 

Your artist statement mentions “intuitive lenses.” Could you elaborate on how intuition plays a role in your artistic process?

My work is centered on four primary series: Origins, Lifelines, Transformations, and Earth Elements.

The series of work is ongoing, and I move between them based on intuitive impulses—whether I'm starting a new painting or painting a body of work for a show.

My expression is intended to be from the inside out, sharing what I'm feeling in response to something I've experienced, seen, heard, or felt. Based upon these factors, I intend to communicate from an intuitive perspective, allowing my inner vision to bring clarity as I move through my painting practice. 

 

James-Allan Holmes, 'Kllien Blue', 6 x 6 x 1.5 in

Your motto emphasizes conscious entrepreneurship and changing the world through sustainable businesses. Does this philosophy also translate into your artwork? 

Sustainability in the production of art is challenging as the materials, processes, and methods of presenting work involve the use of a variety of resources.

I believe that artists, producers, and presenters of art should look for ways to operate more sustainably without compromising the art itself or restricting how art can be accessed by the largest possible audience. 

 

How do you balance your entrepreneurial ventures with your passion for art and community service?

As my art practice has grown, I have narrowed the number of ventures and areas of community service to those that serve arts and culture.

This has allowed me to be more effective with the use of my time and resources.

I find that multiple benefits are now being derived from each of my endeavors because of the common thread of being supportive of art and the broader art industry.

 

James-Allan Holmes, 'Trilogy', 40 x 52 x 1.5 in

What impact do you hope your work will have on those who view it?

I create work that is aspirational, optimistic, hopeful, joyful, peaceful, and representative of truth in the sense that they are my authentic expressions. I believe those who view my work can recognize these characteristics in my work.

I hope those who view my work are drawn to the higher vibrations of positive values depicted through each piece.

I hope for the viewer to see themselves either as an affirmation or an aspiration and that they feel inspired through the act of participating with the work.

 

What does success as an artist mean to you?

Success means that I have created the work I intended to make and it accurately depicts the intuitive inspiration behind the piece itself.

My intention is to share my work with the world, which means that professionalizing my practice is essential to achieving both my creative and professional goals.

James-Allan Holmes, 'The Line Which Leads Back to You', 48 x 72 x 1.5 in

Do you have a favorite (or current favorite) piece of your own artwork, and if so, what makes it special to you?

I have a few favorites, making it difficult to choose one as the favorite of them all.

I believe the painting titled: The Line Which Leads Back to You is “the one,” as it was a breakthrough painting in my practice and the first of the Lifeline series.

Through the process of critique, I experienced a new sense of gestural freedom, breaking out of self-imposed constraints to paint more intuitively. 

Why did you decide to use Artwork Archive to inventory your artwork and manage your art career?

As my painting practice evolved, my need for a powerful platform that would allow me to manage every aspect of the painting’s characteristics, exhibition history, and status grew.

I needed a system that would provide me with a searchable inventory of my work, the ability to manage contacts, track financial aspects of my practice, and produce reports to manage and market my work to new and current collectors.

Artwork Archives met each of my principal objectives and introduced me to features and benefits that I didn't even think of. Once I completed the trial of the platform, I recognized its tremendous value and decided to make Artwork Archive a central part of James Holmes Studio.

James-Allan Holmes pictured in his studio. Photo courtesy of the artist. 

How do you use Artwork Archive on a daily basis?

I have learned to use Artwork Archive in several ways that impact the management of my business, including marketing and collector relationship management.

I continue to add the entirety of my art production into the system. This includes completed paintings that are for sale in addition to those I will retain.

I utilize the Report Features and the Public Profile to market my work to potential buyers, organize an image-rich checklist for show curators, and assist me in managing the exhibition history and current locations for all work. 

Additionally, I have recently begun inputting my personal art collection with images, provenance, and financial details into my Collector account within the Artwork Archive platform.

 

What advice would you give an artist who’s just starting out in their professional career?

My greatest advice to new artists is to focus on making work that speaks to yourself authentically.

Never compromise on authenticity in search of sales. If your work is authentic to your intentions, you will naturally attract buyers who resonate with your expression. 

In addition, I would recommend professionalizing your practice from the very beginning of your career, or from this day forward if you've already been working with your art for some time.

It is never too late or too early to access the resources to ensure that your practice is organized and that your work can be effectively marketed.

Finally, I would suggest painting in series and developing a narrative that can be easily understood by your audience.

Strive to create your work consistently as you grow both your creative and professional skills.  

James-Allan Holmes pictured in his studio. Photo courtesy of the artist. 

James-Allan Holmes uses Artwork Archive to keep track of his artwork, send professional reports to clients, manage his own art collection, and a lot more.

You can make an online portfolio, catalog your artwork, and generate reports like inventory reports, tear sheets, and invoices in seconds with Artwork Archive. Take a look at Artwork Archive's free trial and start growing your art business.