An Incredible Conversation with Jim Warren

Courtesy of Artist

Jim Warren is a nationally and internationally renowned Fine artist and Disney artist. Jim and his unique style of art have a striking influence all over the world. He is considered a "Living Legend of the Art World," with art having an impact in all aspects of entertainment, from his art being on top movie posters to being on the cover of some of the most talented and iconic musicians of these times. I had the honor and pleasure of asking Jim about what he finds is the best thing about being self-taught, how he put his spin when recreating iconic Disney characters, and so much more.

UZOMAH:  How much did Walt Disney animation have on you as a kid and as an artist today?

JIM: Disney was one of my biggest and first influences. I was very inspired by all the whimsical fantasy themes in the cartoons, a world where anything can happen. I knew then I wanted to be able to create my own worlds of fantasy, and later in high school, I decided to be an artist.

“Mickey and Donald's Big Splash”

U:  When you are recreating iconic characters for Disney, when did you grasp a way where you could put your spin on a character?

J:  I decided to just add the chapters into themes that I had already been painting, basically have the characters enter into my world.

U:  How important do you think art contests are in terms of gaining exposure for artists and their work?

J:   I think it gives artists something to go for, motivates them to achieve success like a game. I entered my first art show in 1975, and I won first place. It was very encouraging. But it also lets you see how other artists are doing and the things they are creating.

"Older Now But Still Running Against the Wind"

U:  You created the artwork for Bob Seger's album "Against the Wind." Did you listen to the LP before or while you were creating the work?

J:   No, I painted the cover based on an idea Bob Seger had of 5 horses running; it went along with the title song Against the Wind. I heard the first song from the album a few months later on the radio.

 U:  You also created the artwork for Prince's and Alice Cooper Lp cover art. Do you work closely with the artist or just create on your own?

J:   Prince was very specific about what I did with exact instructions. Alice Cooper, I was given the idea from the record company; Alice was filming a movie at the time, "Prince of Darkness," so I wasn't able to meet him at the time.

"Spread Your Wings and Fly"

U:   How does making artwork for movies differ from musical art covers?

J:  Actually, very similar. They have deadlines. The artwork is based on the music or movie theme and has to get attention and reflect what the music or movie is about.

“Over the Rainbow”

U:  What is the best thing about being self-taught?

J:   I am free to experiment, to figure out my own style. It's up to me to figure how I will paint something, what colors I will use. It's hard and takes perseverance, but in the end, I figure it out and in an original style.

U:  Your use of colors in portraits brings out the features in the person, almost capturing their personality. How important is that for you when creating a real-life person versus an animated character?

J:  The colors are important for giving it the realistic effect, the three-dimensional look by showing shadows and highlights. Shadows in my paintings are often down in a slight purple tone.

"Color My World"

U:  How does painting humans help you bring out life-like characteristics to animated characters?

J:  Because I painted portraits and humans long before animation, I naturally add a three-dimensional feel to my characters with shadows and highlights while still making them animated figures.

Please visit his site for more information about Jim’s artwork and how to purchase his latest limited edition prints.