James is a contemporary figurative painter located in Lawrenceville, NJ. His home, a 1920s center hall Colonial, is also the location of his studio where he paints daily. Doherty believes that a painting should look like it has been painted and not like a photograph. You should see each brush stroke, each drip of paint and each layer of color. Many of his paintings seem like he captured a moment- the delicate lines of a woman, the last to leave the party, her fancy dress now the worse for wear as she casts a subtle glance about the room, searching for something unknown. James’ paintings are often characterized by softened drips, smears, or unfinished edges. James believes his process should be visually accessible. Among his personal favorites and influencers are the painters, Gainsborough, Sargent, and Degas. Doherty’s education includes: 2008-2012, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, 2009, Studied portrait painting with Theodore Xaras, 2012, Masterclass with Stuart Shils, 2010-2012, Studied figurative painting with David Shevlino, 2012, Studied cold wax painting with Rebecca Crowell.