12. What have you done to promote yourself as an artist?
Not as much as I'd liked too. Unfortunately, the moment I really gained the time to concentrate on my art properly after my redundancy, I have had very little money, so magazine advertising and galleries has been a no go.
But before that, I showed my artwork to people I knew in the form of a portfolio. I've also joined internet photo sharing sites where I've added my work, as well as various chat forums, where I've provided links to my photo sharing album.
In addition I have a Facebook Group page, a new professional website up and running and business cards in the making.
13. What do you do in your spare time e.g. hobbies?
Apart from painting, I like to try other crafts. I've taken a stained glass window course, which I intend to continue and hopefully start to add glass products to my new website.
Occasionally I do volunteer work for the National Trust. I worked in a large country house in Derbyshire, which was great as I was surrounded all day by those paintings that started my portrait obsession off all those years ago.
I take part in English Civil War re-enactments, which got me into doing the occasional film extras work, and also enjoy touring the country seeing the landmarks and castles as I enjoy architecture and antique furniture.
I also have a keen interest in classic American cars, and have painted the occasional picture of them, which can be seen my Facebook portfolio.
End of Interview
visit James' website at www.jameshawksleyart.com