James Gillick, who lives and works in Lincolnshire, was born in Norfolk, England in 1972 and is from a long line of artists and artisans. After graduating with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Cheltenham and Gloucester College James spent 2 years working alone in order to understand and perfect the techniques of painting light. He also acquired the skills that are now vital to his work: to make all his stretchers, canvasses, panels, oils, glues, waxes, varnishes and paints by hand using techniques, some of which date back to the eighteenth century. At 26 James won a commission to paint Rt. Honourable Margaret Thatcher and in 2004 he had the very great privilege of a commission to paint a portrait of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. In addition to portraits James produces still lifes, including game paintings, horse paintings and religious works for church restorations. Each picture represents the coming together of a complete and exacting set of physical and intellectual demands. James believes that, ‘fine painting as an activity goes towards re-establishing the artist and viewer as dignified creatures in harmony with a beautiful world.’ http://www.gillick-artist.com/