James Weeks

"When you are young, the subject matter is what you paint. When you get a little older, the subject matter is painting. When you're even older, the subject matter of your paintings is all the other paintings you've done. Finally, the subject matter is the artist himself."

James Weeks

The son of a well-‐known big bandleader and a classical pianist, James Weeks (1922-‐1998) grew up immersed in music and art. When just a child, he was introduced to art classes at the California School of Fine Arts (CSFA, now the San Francisco Art Institute) where he attended more classes as a young man. After serving in World War II, he returned there once again to continue his education on the GI Bill. Weeks studied with painter and charismatic instructor William Gaw, who provided fundamentals, and with David Park who was, in the 1940s, at the forefront of the Bay Area’s Abstract Expressionism obsession. Another instructor, Marian Hartwell, introduced him to Matisse who, together with Cézanne, became one of the artist’s major historic influences. The school’s creative energy and camaraderie led him to friendships with many artists, including Richard Diebenkorn, Elmer Bischoff, David Park, Jeremy Anderson, Walt Kuhlman, and Frank Lobdell.

James Weeks CV

James Weeks Bio