Roost, watercolor on paper

James Giaccio is a contemporary representational painter, with watercolor his primary medium and still life and figurative work his primary subject matter. His painting method  –  attention to detail, charged areas of saturated color, layers of glazing, the use of dry brush at times, all supported by heavyweight Arches paper – lends a certain uniqueness to his work.

Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, James displayed an interest in fine art and a talent for drawing and painting from an early age. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University, he attended Parsons School of Design to study commercial art. He enjoyed early success as an illustrator, with his portraiture and editorial illustrations appearing in various publications. His portraits were often purchased by their subjects after publication.

Coming to find commercial art unfulfilling, James chose to end his career as an illustrator and join a family business outside the arts, attendant to the needs of raising a family of his own. However, his interest in fine art and his desire to paint never subsided. Fortunately, he was able to return to the easel in earnest several years ago.

James lives with his wife Carolyn in Summit, New Jersey, and dedicates most days to painting in the comfort of his home studio. Giaccio’s watercolor paintings are currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.