Born in Houston Texas, James Stratton spent his early childhood in Austin Texas were his mother and sister began taking art lessons from John Hobby. Too young to take classes, James just went along to watch. Art was in his family blood, his grand mother, mother and sister were artist. It was only natural for his mother to test his talent or to at least to occupy the ever busy young James. His first painting was of a red rooster.

His mother would continue to take lessons from other artist such as Ken Fleisch, who taught lessons at a gallery in Round Rock Texas, and Dan Merrel, who became a lifelong family friend. As usual James would tag along. James was a natural artist having never formally taken an art class. Over time his artwork began to improve. He would paint for hours from his recollection of the art classes his mother had taken. One day while visiting an art store, James and his mother ran into Dalhart Windberg. Windberg took a special interest in James and the two talked for quite a while. He encouraged James to not limit himself and to paint what ever interested him. Dalhart Windberg's words to the young James would have a profound impact on his art and his life.

Time always moving foreword drafted James into is adult years. College, married life, business and his military career dominated his attention leaving very little time to paint. He would return to his passion from time to time. Selling a few of his works to make ends meet while in college.

Ever conscience of his responsibilities and devotion to his family and country, James laid his art career aside to devote his attention to each. However, he always felt a part of his life was not fulfilled. Torn between the many facets of his life, James sought harmony with each. He felt sure that there was some way he could make each piece of his life fit together. Like most of us he was successful in some areas and failed in others. But each new test was met with determination and an unrelenting drive to succeed.

Entering service in 1987, his career in both the Air Force and Air Force Reserves brought with it many challenges. James found himself in the middle of almost every conflict that this country has found itself. The latest being the war on terror. James was activated in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 21 2001. The activation took him away from his family and his business. He spent over 2 years separated from both. He would find peace in his art, and while being deployed overseas it was not uncommon for him to put up his easel and paint.

Time has transformed a naive young boy into salty man of the world. A true adventurer, he often draws inspiration from the world around him. You can be sure that there is a story behind each work of art that he makes. His paintings reflect his international experiences, emotions and philosophy. He often paints, still lifes, Seascapes and landscapes. Fascinated by fluids, most all of his paintings have a representation of something liquid.

GALLERY