James Coleman Prints Fine Art

James Coleman - a name synonymous with sweepig skies, tropical rain forests, rich, deep woods and silent deserts. The images created by this talented artist continues to delight all who view them. James Coleman was born in Hollywood, California in 1949. As a youth, his creative abilities seemed to dominate his world. Though he lacked the athletic skills of his young friends, he more than made up for it with imagination and ingenuity. As a young man, his interest in filmmaking and fine art would mark the beginning of a long, successful career in animated films.

Coleman began his career with Walt Disney Studios in the summer of 1969 when his mother, who had been working as a secretary with Disney, got him a job in the studio's mailroom. His big break came when he entered one of his paintings in the studio's art show. Several of the Disney artists viewing his work saw his potential. They realized he had an untapped ability and encouraged him to go into animation background painting.

James' creative energies were welcomed by Walt Disney Productions. His first film, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too, sparked his interest not only in painting backgrounds but also in background design and color styling. After completing The Rescuers, his first feature film, he was promoted to Background Department Supervisor, a position he held for nearly seventeen years. While at Disney, James styled and worked on twelve films and more than thirty short subjects which included: Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Fox and the Hound, The Great Mouse Detective, The Black Cauldron, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. All of which came to life with James' background images gracing the silver screen.