"His acrylic paintings sparkle with strong colours. From a distance, his gardens look lifelike enough, but up close everything breaks up into a lively and intricate pattern of brushstrokes, Regina Haggo writes." Hamilton Spectator

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-Biography

Hamilton-based painter James Gummerson, after attending Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology, embarked on a remarkable artistic journey. After working as an Illustrator, he shifted his focus towards creating captivating paintings that explore the harmonious coexistence of nature and the urban landscape. His works have graced galleries and shows across Canada, earning him recognition and numerous awards. In 2020, James was invited to showcase his talent on the CBC TV show 'Landscape artist of the year Canada,' where he impressed as the wild card winner of episode one and emerged as a runner-up in the finals. His artistry has also been featured in prestigious publications, further cementing his reputation as a distinguished artist. James draws inspiration from the serene charm of quiet side streets adorned with majestic old trees, vibrant community gardens bursting with life, and the enigmatic allure of back alleys. His paintings beautifully capture the interplay of dramatic light and captivating skies against the backdrop of daily urban life. With his unique perspective and artistic prowess, James Gummerson continues to captivate audiences with his evocative and thought-provoking artwork.

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-Artist Statement

I walk the city with my eyes wide open, searching for the moments most people pass by, where light pools in quiet corners, spills across pavement, or flickers against a distant wall. 

 

I paint what I see, but more than that, I paint what I feel when the light shifts. My work is rooted in the urban landscape—not just its architecture or noise, but its stillness, its shadows, its unnoticed rhythms.

 

Light is my true subject. Whether it’s the soft glow of a streetlamp at midnight or the first stretch of morning across a rooftop, I’m drawn to the way light shapes our experience of place and memory. It reveals stories. It hides others. And in between, it gives the city its soul.

 

Each painting is a way of translating those fleeting encounters into something lasting. A record of a moment that existed, just for a second, when everything aligned—the street, the sky, the light, and me.

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​In the past I explored the relationship between the urban landscape and nature. This will always be at its core a part of my work as well.