Mon. Oct 6th, 2025

Esther James | Artist, Designer & Creative Works

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Creative Journal

Artist desk with sketchbook, brushes, and pigment trays

Creative Journal

Esther James | Artist, Designer & Creative Works

Studio notes, process shots, and field studies—behind the scenes of new paintings and design collaborations.

Notes from the Studio & Coast

I work in colorfields, coastal studies, and mixed-media textures. This journal collects the small moments that shape larger works—sketches, palettes, and materials put to the test.

Stack of sketchbooks tied with linen cord

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Sunlit studio wall with in-progress canvases
Close-up of oil palette and knives
Field notes on a windy shoreline

Latest Entries

Gestural ink studies on cotton paper

Ink, Breath, Repeat

Morning warm-ups: single-stroke lines to map rhythm before color.

Ink
Paper

Driftwood and sea-glass palette on sketchbook

Tide Notes: Dusk Palette

Indigo to sea-glass gradient; testing lifted washes for horizon blur.

Coastal
Watercolor

Linen canvas with graphite marks and layered gesso

Texture Tests on Linen

Gesso + pumice + graphite scumble for mineral surfaces.

Mixed Media
Process

More posts monthly; themes shift with projects and seasons.

From Field Study to Canvas

  1. Sketch coastlines and light shifts on-site.
  2. Build palette cards; test glazing & lifted washes.
  3. Map composition with graphite; block colorfields.
  4. Layer textures; refine edges & negative space.

Step-by-step board with sketches, swatches, and canvas stages

Process Board

A snapshot wall to keep color and form decisions consistent across a series.

Studio Diary

Morning light over canvases on easels
Brush roll and pigment jars
Sketchbook spread with coastal thumbnails
Tape grid on canvas for color blocks
Palette tests pinned on cork board
Detail of glazing on colorfield work
Coastal field kit: water brush and cards
Studio corner with framed small studies

Tools & Materials

  • Cotton rag paper & linen canvases
  • Water-based pigments, graphite, matte varnish
  • Palette knives, wide flats, and hake brushes
  • UV acrylic & float mounting for works on paper

Neatly arranged artist tools on worktable

Care Notes

Display out of direct sun; dust with soft, dry cloth; avoid solvents on varnished surfaces.

Collector viewing small works on a studio shelf

Ask About a Piece

Have a question about an entry or series? Share the title or image and I’ll respond with details and availability.

Postcard-sized artworks with notes

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FAQ

Can I share journal images?
Yes—please credit the artist and link back. For press, request high-res.

Are pieces in entries available?
Often—entries note status. Ask about holds and framing.

Studio visits?
By appointment; virtual walk-throughs available worldwide.

Small framed works arranged for a studio visit

Visit the Studio

See works in progress and preview upcoming series before release.

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