James McGrew

Lead Art Instructor
Lead Photography Guide
Lead Naturalist Hiking Guide
(Hetch Hetchy Events)

James McGrew frequently visited Yosemite since he was just 4 months old and has drawn its features and wildlife as long as he can remember.

Although he works in his Oregon studio most of the year, he makes plein air trips and has worked as a summer seasonal interpretive naturalist park ranger in Yosemite National Park over the past ten years. McGrew's award winning artwork hangs in collections across the U.S. and Europe, and has shown in top competitions, museums and galleries including solo shows. He is a member of the Oil Painters of America and Miniature Art Society of Florida. In addition to degrees in biology, chemistry and geology, his master's thesis (environmental education) focuses on the role of art in Yosemite's preservation.

James paints en plein air and later orchestrates his field studies with photography and strong visual memory to create his refined studio paintings. Such works often tell stories or serve as complex metaphors.

Participants on his programs say his love and enthusiasm for Yosemite is contagious. His inspirational teaching styles reach a broad audience as he interweaves art and science in an entertaining manner that people easily understand.

In all his artwork, James uses ONLY the highest quality materials and time tested techniques coupled with cutting edge technology for true museum quality.

James currently resides in Lake Oswego, Oregon with his family. He owns and operates a Fine Art web site featuring a collection of his prints and paintings.

jamesmcgrewfineart.com