JAMES B. CONSOR
BY
Mildred Thaler Cohen
James Consor is a quiet master of American romantic realism, a yachtsman, who recorded the timeless rhythms of the sea and the pictorial beauty and grace of America’s seagoing vessels.
The passage of time will dictate that Consor is to be incluided along with the many American artists who have been captivated by the drama and excitement of ocean-going conquerors of nature’s tempestuous waters. When we think of ship portraiture, the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow come to mind, "...and the beauty and mystery of the ships and the magic of the sea."
Recognition has already been given to the champions of marine art of the early 19th century, Fitz Hugh Lane, James Buttersworth, and Robert Salmon. The standard was carried on into the late 19th century by Antonio Jacobsen, William Trost Richards and Alfred T.Bricher. Subsequently, names like Frederick Waugh and Frederick Schiller Cozzens come to mind. With James Coinsor the tradition of fidelity of imagination and vigor of handling in its restrained formal elegance coalesces into scenes of startling veracity.
While pursuing a commercial though allied field, Consor recorded not only boats in energetic motion, but timeless and sympathetic renderings of family members who provided frequent inspiration for his work. Punctuated by exploding tones of color and textured brushwork, he captures joyful images of children at play.
An intense and talented man, he evolved into his own style with a kind of integrity and individuality in a tradition of honest approach.
He is a member of the Society of Illustrators. His biography may be found at the New York Public Library, Frick Art Reference Library and the Archives of American art in Washington , D.C.
