James Sulkowski's work combines a philosophy and science along with his art.  His subject matter is nature.  In his landscapes, still lifes, portraits and murals, he attempts to reveal the universal and the beautiful elements found in the world around us.  To him, this is chnge enough.  Like the Masters, he believes that capturing the inner essence of his subject is as important as painting the eternal mask.  Whistler said, "the palette is your instrument, the colors are the notes and on it you play your symphonies."  Sulkowski adheres to this principle as he uses his knowledge of science in preparing all of his own materials by hand.  He grinds his own paints from powdered pigments in oils and varnishes which he painstakingly prepares.  He also consults Renaissance recipes in making his own gessoed panels and lead-ground canvases.  This emphasis on the CRAFT of painting is essential to Sulkowski's art.  Only in this way is the artist able to control the consistency and vitality of his medium.  These methods of the Masters also contribute to a work of art with lasting value and permanence and one that is timeless.

Sulkowski grinds his paints on a glass palette with a muller.
Powdered pigments and special oils are shown in jars.