Q and A with National Watercolor Artist James Fiorentino
I recently caught up with national watercolor artist James Fiorentino. James has painted the best of the best in the sports world and much more.
ML: When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
JF: Well I was an artist from when I was very young starting to draw and paint at 8 years old when I was taking private lessons. So it was something that was born in me.
ML: Watercolor vs everything else?
JF: Watercolor has been my main medium although I have painted in most mediums throughout my life and all types of styles. I gravitated towards watercolor at a very young age and fell in love with it when I was taking lessons at a young age. I think to many it is the hardest medium because it’s very challenging to fix when mistakes are made for example.
ML: Favorite athletes of all-time you love to draw?
JF: I love drawing vintage players so maybe Babe Ruth or Ty Cobb.
ML: You have met so many unbelievable sports legends, but do any stand out? Most impressive, so to speak?
JF: I have met so many legendary athletes over the years when they were retired to when they are in their prime playing. Notables are Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Arnold Palmer and Muhammed Ali. Many of the athletes are great but Don Mattingly is as impressive off the field as he was on it.
ML: Non-sports is huge for your portfolio also. Highlight that for us.
JF: I love to paint things that matter to me or move me so whether it’s a portrait of every day life or landscapes, I love mixing that in. I also have a very extensive portfolio of wildlife art that I have a passion to paint and educate people on.
ML: What do you hope people say about your work?
JF: I hope people enjoy what I paint and that it inspires them to do the same and take on watercolor. I paint watercolor the way I paint so it does not make it right but more unique. I love when people can’t believe it’s watercolor when they see it.
ML: Thanks James, keep up the great work.
JF: Thanks Mike.
See more of James’ work at James Fiorentino.
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