Jim takes great care to research his subjects and includes elements that situate the time and place of the scene. By pairing the subject’s history and the drawing of it together, Jim creates a winning combination of storytelling in art. To see Jim’s work, google “Jim Paddon Artist” or visit the online collections at www.brucemuseum.ca (use keyword “Paddon”). To purchase prints, email Jim at jdpaddon@bell.net.
Storytelling in Art Jim Paddon is an architectural artist who loves sharing stories, not by telling them, but by drawing them. The 81-year-old Komoka resident creates intricate pictures of places and objects that shaped his memories of growing up near Port Elgin. “I love drawing landmarks and things of significance from my
past,” explains Jim. “I had a happy youth with great memories. When I see buildings or scenes that remind me of that past, I like telling their stories through the pictures I draw.” Jim considers himself a pencil artist and prefers drawing on draft paper using two to four pencils to create everything from sharp lines to soft shading and dark shadows. He also dabbles in watercolour and, more recently, in acrylic paints. Jim discovered his love of art as a youngster attending a one- room schoolhouse in Bruce County. “Every Friday afternoon was free time, and I would draw,” explains Jim. Encouraged by the many ribbons he won for his artwork at local fall fairs, Jim continued drawing throughout school. He completed a degree in art and architectural design at the Ontario College of Art in 1968, which led to a career in the commercial interior design industry. With his interest and training, Jim also designed homes on the side, including the cobblestone house on Coldstream Road, where he and his wife, Sherry, raised their family and still live. Jim started drawing for pleasure again at age 72. “It’d been 30 years,” Jim shares. “I was afraid to start because I didn’t want to find out I’d lost my ability.” For Jim, starting is always the hardest thing, but he also knows it’s the most important thing. “Nothing gets better without starting!” Within his first year back drawing, Jim created his “breakout” piece, a pencil drawing of the original high school in Port Elgin. After in-depth research with help from the Bruce County Museum staff, Jim found a picture of the original building. The piece is now in a permanent collection, along with 12 others, at the Bruce County Museum.
Beachfront Dancehall, watercolour painting, circa 1950s
“The Elbow” North Bruce, pencil drawing
Sunset Lodge Port Elgin harbour, pencil drawing
Farms, acrylic painting
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
KKD Villager November 2025
Page 11
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs