James McGrew
oil paintings

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, James McGrew grew up making frequent backpacking trips to Yosemite, Tahoe and other beautiful locations in Northern California and Oregon. He fell in love with Yosemite at an early age and often tried to capture the natural beauty through various artistic media including pastels at the age of 8 and using his father’s oils by age 10.

Although he took every art class available up to and throughout college, in effort to learn more about his favorite place and artistic subject, he earned degrees in Biology, Chemistry and Geology then went on to study Environmental Education in Graduate School. James relies on his background in science with art as a vehicle to communicate the natural beauty that inspires his work.

James hikes/backpacks several hundred miles each summer, always with a tripod, pochade and cameras. He uses his plein air paintings as references for larger studio works. James has worked as an interpretive naturalist in Yosemite for over 15 summer seasons. His award winning work hangs in collections around the world and has been exhibited in many solo shows, prestigious competitions, museums and events.

: Glacier Point Sunset
2010. Oil on canvas, 9" x 12". Framed in custom mitered flat with carved raised cushion panel near sight edge —3", in quartersawn white oak (Weathered Oak stain). $1460.
: Ahwahnee Snow Storm
2011. Oil on canvas, 6" x 8". Framed in Village Series flat No. 1.2 CV — 2" in quartersawn white oak (Weathered Oak stain). $935.
: Upper Lee Vining Canyon
2010. Oil on canvas, 6" x 8". Framed in Village Series slope No. 2 CV — 2" in quartersawn white oak (Weathered Oak stain). $915.
: White Cascade, Glen Aulin
2010. Oil on canvas, 6" x 8". Framed in Village Series flat No. 16 CV — 2", in quartersawn white oak (Weathered Oak stain). $900.
: Yosemite Falls from Cook’s Meadow
2010. Oil on canvas, 8" x 6". Framed in Village Series flat No. 11.2 — 2", in quartersawn white oak (Weathered Oak stain). $900.
: Looking East from Glacier Point
2010. Oil on canvas, 9" x 12". Framed in No. 1.4 CV — 2-3/4" in quartersawn white oak (Weathered Oak stain). Sold.