James Millers work is grounded in the rhythms of the
landscapes and seascapes of Newfoundland.
A place where the natural world remains closely entwined with daily life.
Through his paintings, he explores the enduring relationship we have with land and sea.
"My works are based on my journeys and the places I explore.
They reflect my creative experience while being there.
The resulting painting isn't so much a portrayal of a particular
place but a portrayal of the inspirational aspects of being there.
My aspiration is to capture the essence of that experience."
James H. Miller is an established Canadian artist known for his evocative oil paintings
that capture the rugged beauty and atmospheric nuances of Newfoundland and Labrador’s landscapes and seascapes.
Born in St. John’s in 1957, Miller spent his formative years in the United States and Quebec before returning to St. John’s to complete high school at Prince of Wales Collegiate.
There, he studied under renowned Newfoundland painter Reginald Shepherd
and was profoundly influenced by his teaching.
Miller pursued formal art education at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (1974–1975), John Abbott College in Montreal (1978–1979), and the Ontario College of Art (1979–1983), where he earned his Associate of the Ontario College of Art (AOCA).
While a student at OCA, he had the fortunate opportunity to study under some of Canadas most prestigious artists and instructors at that time.
These included:
David Hall-Humpherson, David Chavel, Jacques Dagenais, Sheila Lamb, Gray Mills,
Beresford Mitchell, Arturo Nagel, John Newman, Thomas LaPierre, Hugh Mackenzie,
John Newman, John Gould, and Frederick Hagan.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Miller has developed a style he describes as “realism based on a classical academic approach”.
Miller’s paintings are deeply rooted in the natural world, particularly the Newfoundland coastline. He frequently explores coastal coves and beaches, drawing inspiration from the ever-changing interplay of light, texture, and form. He conducts numerous studies in nature that culminate in his studio works, capturing the essence and atmosphere of the landscapes and seascapes he portrays.
His artwork has been exhibited extensively in solo and group shows across Canada and internationally, including venues in New York, Atlanta, and Boston. Notable exhibitions include “Gardens of Stone” (2019) and “New Work” (2020) at the Christina Parker Gallery in St. John’s.
Miller’s works are part of several prestigious public and corporate collections, such as the Provincial Art Bank of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Memorial University Permanent Collection, the Canada Council Art Bank, and the Government of Scotland. His paintings are also held in private collections throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Currently residing in Newfoundland, James H. Miller continues to create compelling artworks that reflect his deep connection to the island’s landscapes and seascapes, inviting viewers to experience the profound beauty and complexity of the natural world through his eyes.
