WORLD OF ART SHOWCASE ADDS A POWERFUL TOUCH OF REALISM TO ITS DIVERSE ROSTER WITH COLORADO-BASED PAINTER JAMES VAN FOSSAN

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The multi-faceted first annual celebration of the visual arts is set for The Wynn Las Vegas December 20-22, 2012

Reflecting upon the life and work regarding realism painter James Van Fossan,Aiste Parmasto, Fine Art Consultant with Art d’ Art, LLC, has written: “It is said that an artist paints what he sees. If that is true, then the world that Van Fossan sees is void of nefarious, quotidian vices and instead is brimming with beauty, kindness, and personal resolve. As a painter of people, he buttresses himself against the insuperable task of creating an illusion of likeness with the entelechy of his talent.”

The World of Art Showcase is proud to include the Vail, Colorado-based painter on the roster of its inaugural event, a highly-anticipated celebration of the visual arts and artists (www.worldofartshowcase.com) at the Wynn Las Vegas December 20-22, 2012.

Since leaving the corporate world to focus on his art full time seven years ago, the self-taught Van Fossan has come to command some of the highest recognitions in realism. In 2009, he was invited to join the prestigious International Guild of Realism, and he is now distinguished by the acclaimed international museum and salon, Art Renewal Center, as an “Associate Living Master.” His work has been featured in American Art Collector, International Artist Magazine, Southwest Art, as well as other art and lifestyle publications.

Other accolades he has received in recent years include: 2010/2011/2012 Finalist,Art Renewal Center’s International Figurative Category, ARC Salon, Glenham, New York; the 2011 Collectors’ Choice Award, International Guild of Realism Exhibition, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and the solo exhibitions “Rhythms of Grace” (Cathedral Center for the Arts, Phoenix, 2011) and “Face Forward: A Benefit for Mending the Soul Ministries” (Rive Gauche Art Gallery, Scottsdale, 2009).

His work has also been included in numerous group exhibitions, including the 7^thAnnual International Guild of Realism Salon in Carmel, CA (2012); the 83^rdAnnual American Artists Professional League Grand National Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY (2011); the International Guild of Realism 6^thAnnual Exhibition, Sage Creek Gallery, Santa Fe (2011); the Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ (2011), and “Martinis & Masterpieces,” The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ (2011).  

One of the most influential people in Van Fossan’s development has been fellow artist and close friend Duffy Sheridan, who introduced James to oil painting through casual studio sessions, where they discussed art and its philosophies more than they put brushes to canvas. With Sheridan’s encouragement, Van Fossan slowly began switching to oils after a lifetime of working in graphite.

“What my work to-date represents is my study of the language and craft of oil painting,” says Van Fossan. “Words, like paintings, are used to express our hearts to others. However, a painting can say so much more, and is understood as though it were a universal language. I paint in a realistic manner simply because I feel my primary goal is to represent truth, reality, and to tell the story. I desire to paint and to speak clearly so that the more important matter of what I am trying to say comes through.

“Like any great craft,” he adds, “the time and detail fostered into a work of realism commands attention and invites the viewer to understand, or at least to consider, the painting. To share my philosophies and thoughts with others in such a beautiful and historical art form is a privilege I am determined to honor as I continue to work with all of my heart and mind on this life-long mission.”