For over 30 years, Jim Warren has been painting his way into the hearts and minds of people all over the world. His work is ever changing, as he combines the wild and whimsical with the sweet and sensuous sides of life. Jim won a Grammy award for his artwork on the cover of Bob Seger's album 'Against the Wind'. He is a study in versatility & imagination. His all seeing eye and his ingenious mind capture the essence of a scene or a person with an understanding that transcends reality. If ever an artist deserves to be described as a surrealist, it is unquestionably Jim. He has painted unique portraits of celebrities and families that capture the inner being of those he paints.

Jim calls his portraits "Personalized Paintings"as they are more in the genre of his own special style of art. Jim discusses his concept with the client first and then draws sketches for their approval. Next, he photographs the subject in the pose. From these drawings and photo, he creates his view of the individual. Anyone who has one of his 'Personalized Paintings' cherishes it as a family heirloom. I never intended to have my face on the cover of this magazine, but when I saw what he had created for me, I was compelled to reconsider. The title of the painting is "You are what you read"

In the portrait, I am holding a copy of the January/February 1998 magazine in which we first wrote about Jim and featured his artwork. Margaret, my muse, is looking up at me. She is also my partner and my wife and I would never be complete without her. Jim sensed that and captured her importance to me by making her the very fulcrum of the piece. Many artist have used me as the subject, but Jim dug deeper to show me keeping a watchful eye over one magazine while the love of my life stands ready to aid me in any way possible. When I first saw the completed work, it brought tears to my eyes!

His fine art oil paintings are featured in some of the top galleries in the world. He is now also producing many of his best recognized paintings as high quality, limited edition canvas prints that are signed, numbered and hand highlighted by Jim himself. These limited editions use the 'Giclee' canvas reproduction process that captures the details, lighting and subtle color blends that are the trademark of a painting by Jim Warren. A book of his work has been published that is titled "The Art of Jim Warren; an American original" ...A second book called "Painted Worlds" will go on sale in May of this year. Jim says that he can still remember his first encounter with the paintings of Salvidor Dali and the tremendous rush of freedom he got when he realized that he could paint anything he wanted to ...and there are no rules in art.

To Jim, painting is like performing on stage as a musician. He believes he makes music for the eyes and can almost hear the applause after he finishes what he considers to be a great painting! Dali was not the only artist to influence Jim. He draws inspiration from Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Rembrandt and many others including musical groups such as The Beatles and The Beach Boys. He wants people to look at his art and say "WOW!" Today his inspiration comes from his family, friends and his own life experiences. He has collaborated on paintings with Wyland, the world's best known marine-life artist who also features Jim's work in his Wyland gallery chain.