The Natural

James’ identity as an artist has always been quietly understood. “For me there was never any ‘come to’ moment at all,” he says. “Enjoying the process is the important thing.”

For James Kerr, painting has always been like breathing – a natural extension of being. Featured at the Meghan Candler Gallery since 2002, James was born in 1953 in Buffalo, New York to two artistic parents. By the time James had learned to walk, he could already wield a brush.

When James was 10 years old, his uncle suggested he take an art course. After a few classes with his contemporaries, his teacher said James was advanced enough to paint alongside adults. In the adult class he met his first mentor, renowned portrait painter Laszlo Szabo, who introduced him to charcoals and helped him refine his painting. “I was right at home there,” says James of the class. “Over time I became like an apprentice [to Szabo] in a 19th century sort of way.” 

After seven years studying art under Szabo’s tutelage, James’ teacher passed away the day before he turned 17. On his birthday, students from the class asked if he would take over as instructor. Only a senior in high school, James rented a studio and taught his fellow portrait painters while doing his own work on the side.