James MacLaren is a contemporary figurative painter working mainly in oil and graphite. His work explores realism and surrealism, combining strong technical detail with a focus on visual storytelling.

James discovered his passion while completing a Master’s in Chemistry at the University of Warwick, evolving from simple graphite sketches to highly detailed hyperrealist works.

He’s currently creating a new collection of six paintings featuring astronauts, exploring themes of isolation, exploration, and human experience. James’s work is defined by careful attention to colour, light, and form, drawing viewers into scenes that feel both familiar and imaginative.