The Professor of Imagination

James Christensen (1942–2017) didn’t just paint fantasy; he curated an entire universe. Often referred to as a "believable fantasist," Christensen’s work serves as a bridge between the mundane and the magical, filled with layered symbolism, Victorian aesthetics, and a healthy dose of gentle humor.

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The Art of "Believable Fantasy"

Christensen’s philosophy was simple: if you are going to paint a dragon or a floating fish, you must paint it with such technical precision that the viewer forgets it isn't real. His backgrounds in classical illustration and art history allowed him to ground his wildest imaginings in Renaissance-style textures and rich, jewel-toned palettes.

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Signature Themes & Motifs

• Floating Fish: A staple of his work, symbolizing the "magic" that drifts through our everyday lives if we only stop to look.

• The Everyman: Many of his subjects are slightly stout, ornately dressed characters navigating the absurdities of life—a reflection of the human condition.

• Layered Symbolism: His paintings are rarely "just" a picture; they are visual fables. Pieces like The Checkpoint or The Responsibility of the Winged Pig offer witty commentary on bureaucracy, faith, and personal growth.

• Ornate Costuming: Drawing inspiration from the Elizabethan and Italian Renaissance eras, his characters are often draped in impossibly complex fabrics and embroidery.

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A Legacy of Wonder

Beyond the canvas, James Christensen was a beloved educator and a mainstay of the Greenwich Workshop. His work has been collected by fantasy enthusiasts and fine art connoisseurs alike, earning him multiple Chesley Awards and a permanent place in the hearts of those who believe that "a little imagination goes a long way."

"Everything you can imagine is real." — James Christensen