James Gwynne | Figurative painter

An award-winning artist, Dr. James Gwynne is a professor of visual arts at County College of Morris, who discovered his talents through chance and circumstance.

He initially attended college thinking he would become a doctor. When he took a drawing class during his first year of college, however, he knew he needed to switch majors.

"I knew from then on that art was my passion and I had to follow it", says Gwynne.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster in Ohio, he went on to earn his master’s from Michigan State University and then his Ph.D. from New York University.

Following his graduation from Michigan State, he received a phone call from one of his former professors at the College of Wooster asking Gwynne if he would like to fill in for two years while professors took sabbaticals.

The experience launched Gwynne’s teaching career and he has never looked back.

As an artist, Gwynne has participated in more than 300 exhibitions and is known for his large-scale paintings.

Many of his pieces are bold and colorful renditions of the sky, landscapes and the human body. Included among his many honors and recognitions are both the Best in Show and Painting Award from the Westmoreland Arts National Juried Exhibition.

His work also is represented in many private, corporate and public collections, including the New Jersey State Museum and Pennsylvania State Museum.

With a passion for both teaching and art, Gwynne particularly enjoys watching students develop their own skills and talents.

A member of the CCM faculty since 1972, he notes, however, that success requires more than creative talent.

"Raw talent is a joy to see in a student, but more than that dedication and diligent effort with class projects, good attendance, taking critical advice and trying to apply it are qualities in a student that make teaching exciting and rewarding”, he says.

James Gwynne was awarded Best in Show at the 2010 Westmoreland Art Nationals Juried Exhibition for his painting "Asleep on Blue Drape", a large bold work depicting a woman resting on a spread of blue cloth.

Since 1978, the Westmoreland Art Nationals has showcased national and international artists as part of the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park in Greensburg, PA.

A total of 113 works were entered into the 2010 Westmoreland Art Nationals by 57 artists, representing 22 states and Belgium.

"It means a lot be recognized and acknowledged for your work", said Gwynne, who resides in East Stroudsburg, PA. "I’m delighted to have received Best in Show in this juried exhibition".

The juror for the 2010 show was Robert L. Wood, Professor of Design and Coordinator of the Ceramics Program at Buffalo State College. Wood’s artwork is part of numerous public and private collections throughout the country and has received 12 national Awards.

Gwynne also received a second prize award for another one of his paintings, "Vermont Landscape with Telephone Pole", in the 23rd Annual Skylands Juried Art Exhibition.

Gwynne joined the CCM faculty in 1972.

He also has taught at The College of Wooster, Ohio, and Centenary College.

"It’s always felt natural to me to teach and I enjoy being around young people", he says of his many years of teaching.

He earned his B.A. from The College of Wooster, Ohio, his M.A. from Michigan State University, and his Ph.D. from New York University.

His work has been exhibited in more than 300 shows and is represented in many private, corporate and public collections, including the New Jersey State Museum and Pennsylvania State Museum.