As a plein air landscape painter, James Cramer is confronted with many choices and weather conditions. He is at the mercy of the elements which can make for interesting painting sessions. Looking at the landscape is his inspiration. To begin to see shapes, colors, and values. Cramer strives for the synthesis of observation (seeing), internalization (contemplation), and application of materials. To experience the spirit of the landscape. As he sees it and suggests to the viewer the truth and beauty which surrounds us. 

Albany native, James Cramer lives in  Greene County. NY with his wife Stancia and has been painting for the last forty years. Greene county is the birthplace of the Hudson Valley School, which has been a major influence on Cramer’s work.  Another major source of this inspiration is the collection of Hudson Vallery Painters available at the Albany Institue of History. 

Cramers has studied Plein Air Painting with Albert Handell, Marcia Clark, Nina Rosa Irwin, and Staats Fasoldt. He is a past member of the Salmagundi Club. He has participated in the Finger Lakes Plein Air Event in Canandaigua, NY, and the Hyde Collection Plein Air Event in Glens Falls. He was awarded a residency in the first Catskill Center for Conservation and Development program at the Cabin in Platte Clove.