"If a painting has this special quality, has an immediate impact, yet allows viewers to continue to use their imagination to see things emerging, then it has been sucessful."

Jim Kinch (Australian Artist)

A "Painter of Action", Jim Kinch was born in Dundalk Ireland. He studied at Dundalk Technical College and with Belfast painter Hugh McCormac, however, it's probably true to say he is primarily self taught. He was active in local art in the 1970's, being founder and chair of the Dundalk Art Forum.

A career in design and marketing give him regular opportunities to visit the great art galleries, and give him constant involvement with most aspects of the visual arts.

Jim and his family moved to South Australia in 1973 and continues to live his dream life next to the sea and the beach, which remain his greatest sources of inspiration even after 30 years..

Painting mostly in isolation, he developed his strong impressionist style. This has evolved into a strong "figurative expressionism" style, which is an ideal vehicle for his chosen subjects of life and action. Jim brings art into the popular arena and it is said, "he does not paint feathers, he paints flight".

His style is 'contemporary impressionism ' with a dash of 'expressionism.' He has been described as been heavily influenced by the great Jack Yeats, John Singer Sargent and America's Leroy Neiman, with the figurative influence of Toulouse Lautrec.

In 1990 he started to exhibit in group exhibitions and became a regular prize winner. These prizes were instrumental in gaining invitations to hold solo exhibitions in esablished galleries, and success here was a factor in his decision to become a full time painter in 1997.

With many interstate and overseas exhibitions to his credit, including regular "sell-outs" in Ireland, Jim says "I need to suceed to ensure that I have the opportunity to continue to develop my work. It is this journey that I enjoy which interests me."

This down to earth approach, and the variety of his subject matter ensures his popularity for Artist's Workshops, and ever increasing demand from collectors and corporate clients in a number of countries.

A full C.V is available on request - Simply