INSTINCT IN FORM.

James Kenton Pierce is a painter working between South Florida and Bangkok. His practice draws on a lifelong interest in music, art history, and color.

James Kenton Pierce seated in his studio among recent paintings.
Figurative painting by James Kenton Pierce with two intertwined figures in red, blue, green, pink and yellow.

Pierce played guitar and studied art history at the University of Wisconsin before working in finance. Edvard Munch’s use of color and form left a lasting impression on him.

Figurative painting by James Kenton Pierce with two intertwined forms in red, green, blue, pink and yellow.

“The Scream stood out to me—the use of color, form, and shape was so powerful I could never get his work out of my head.”

Close brushstroke detail from a James Kenton Pierce painting in blue, red, green and pale aqua.

In Bangkok, distance from outside opinion gives Pierce what he calls “more personal space in the process.”

Music remains a touchstone in the studio. He approaches the canvas intuitively, letting color and gesture guide the painting as it develops.

Blue and green figurative painting by James Kenton Pierce with layered gestural forms.

“Art is very positive—it’s meant to give people courage, faith, and strength.”