James Asher

JAMES ASHER (1944 - 2019): James Asher was an American painter, watercolorist, printmaker, and sculptor celebrated for his detailed portrayals of the American West and landscapes around the world. Born in Butler, Missouri, he studied at Central Missouri University on an art scholarship before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. After briefly working in advertising, Asher returned to fine art and moved to Arizona, where he developed a deep interest in cowboy traditions and Native American cultures, particularly those of the Hopi, Zuni, and Pueblo communities. In 1982, following an allergy to turpentine, he renewed his focus on watercolor, becoming known for his precise detail, luminous colors, and commitment to depicting nature faithfully. His subject matter expanded through extensive travels, encompassing Southwestern landscapes, European villages, markets, and scenes from destinations across the world. His work was exhibited at institutions including the Gilcrease Museum, the Albuquerque Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Royal Watercolour Society in London. Asher is remembered for his technical mastery of watercolor and his ability to capture the character and beauty of the places he painted.