About the Artist

James Parker's bright and lively landscape paintings record his adventures in and love of the great American outdoors. 

For 25 years Parker's creativity served corporate roles, including as CEO of one of the UK's fastest-growing and best companies to work for, La Fosse. After helping demonstrate that the best businesses thrive because they have a heart, and a successful exit, he took a long road trip around the US to refocus his personal priorities on three essential things: family, art, and exploring the natural world.

Over 90 days and 9,000 miles on the road with his wife and two sons Parker painted his way across the country. At the end of this epic journey, Parker committed to his calling —capturing personal and universal experiences through art.

One of the first people he told about this plan was his father, who then told Parker about his artistic roots. Parker is the third great-grandson of GH Thomas, an artist who also worked in both the US (including as engraver for early Federal banknotes and the first edition of Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin) and in the UK (as six time official portrait artist to Queen Victoria). 

Encouraged by that artistic legacy, and to strengthen his technical foundations, he enrolled in the Barnes Atelier of Art in London while also training with New York based Chrysalis Studio Arts. Trusting his instincts, Parker relocated his family to one of the most inspirational landscapes in the world, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA, which is now his home base.

Drawing from multicultural experiences growing up on three continents, the rich traditions of sublime and impressionist art he so admires, and a love of adventure travel, Parker's creative practice involves painting outdoors sometimes solo, sometimes with his family —then developing formal oil paintings in his Lake Tahoe studio.

Parker makes art to remind you of your last adventure, and to inspire your next. He believes that creating and collecting art results in a deeper appreciation for the amazing people, places, and moments that shape all of our journeys. He also believes leaving a legacy. A percentage of each sale goes to the National Park Foundation and to Keep Tahoe Blue - helping preserve America’s wild spaces for future generations.