About

My work questions how our democracy is working in our time. The challenge that greed and selfishness present to our current democratic society gives voice to my work. It is my task to put the powerful to the test, to examine their methods and character. My paintings generally incorporate allegorical elements inspired by each day’s news revelations.

I work almost exclusively in oil, and use a diverse palette, single light source, and tenebrism to recall classical paintings, but with contemporary subject matter. I use a loose and rapid application of paint to depict my subjects. I work from references, media images and photos, sketches, all of which are used to comment on, condemn, satirize, and criticize the abuse of democracy. Some topics are in a narrative or become a series.

My work will give discomfort to the comfortable and comfort to others.

curriculum vita

James Severtson, b. 1946, Oakland CA - Contact me at jamessevertson@gmail.com; selfie2oilpaint@gmail.com

Architectural - 1966-1997

I worked a number of jobs in Los Angeles in the architectural field: drafting, graphic artist and designer, architectural model maker, architectural illustrator drawing 3D images with plan projection, airbrushing, using gouache to paint in details. With the advent of computers, this career became redundant.  

Retail - 1995-1999

I took work as a color print specialist and later as assistant manager at a Kinko’s outlet. It led to teaching business classes in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Teaching - 2000-2014

Without a bachelor’s degree, I taught with a Designated Subject credential, teaching basic business classes; we created a Global Business and Finance strand at Granada Hills Charter. I was one of the lead teachers, and served as the Department Chair of Career Tech Ed.

Retirement - 2014

As a retired teacher, I am involved in the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), and work at the Leonis Adobe Rancho in Calabasas CA, leading young school children in tours through 1880’s California History. I am the cellist at St. Joseph the Worker Parish 9:30 Mass in Winnetka Ca.

BA in art, focus: painting - 2016-2019

I am finished with my bachelor’s degree studies at Cal State Northridge, under the mentor-ship of teachers like Sam Fields, Victoria Reynolds, Tim Forcum, Joy von Wolfersdorff, and Ken Jones. I will be able to apply for a Substitute Credential and I thoroughly enjoy teaching and am happy to live out my professional life in the quiet halls of academia.  

However, my professors have given me the desire to pursue my art career as well.  With this Web site and using services like CaFE and Fine Art America, I hope to show what I can do professionally.