London Gunmaker John Rigby & Co. is pleased to welcome talented artist James Hitchins to the Rigby Art department, along with four of his celebrated works. James is a self-taught artist who was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Zambia, Central Africa, with the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls on his doorstep.
Quiet moments spent in these iconic and evocative landscapes provide inspiration for his artwork, which sees James use the stark, eye-catching medium of white charcoal on black paper or graphite on white paper for much of his art. The result brings to life the subjects of his work in a way which is both unexpected and striking. In the absence of colour, it is the use of white and grey tones to depict the interplay of light and shade which invites the observer to look closer and allows their mind to add vibrancy and movement to the work.
James’ work spans both marine and fish art from around the globe, and landscape and figure art which showcases African life in his native Zambia. James brings with him four new works which join the Rigby Art collection – Bass Attack!, Redfish, Hide & Seek! and Lone Wolf!. All four are available to purchase as original artworks or as canvas (and in the case of the white charcoal on black paper works, matte paper) prints.
Bass Attack! is a split screen work of white charcoal on black paper which depicts a lunker Largemouth Bass about to engulf a Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg surface lure. This piece of art simultaneously freezes time and conveys the roll and movement of the water at the very moment this gamefish prepares to take the bait.
42 x 59.4cm
Original: £2,500
Matte Paper Print: £280
Canvas Print: £260
In Redfish, also in white charcoal on black paper, the subject drops through refracted light beams from the riffles above to inhale a Strike King Rage Swimmer Jig. An extraordinary depiction of the texture of water and the penetration of the sunlight from the surface.
42 x 59.4cm
Original: £2,500
Matte Paper Print: £280
Canvas Print: £260
Hide & Seek! Cleverly depicts a terrified Yellowfin Tuna, as it takes refuge behind a mass of floating kelp, from a Blue Marlin. Once again using white charcoal and black paper to incredible effect to show both movement and stillness and the interplay of light, in a captivating artwork.
Original: £2,500
Matte Paper Print: £280
Canvas Print: £260
The striking 4ft x 6ft oil on canvas Lone Wolf puts the viewer eye to eye with an apex predator, the Sailfish, as it soaks up rays. The striking angular physiology of the Sailfish juxtaposed with the rippling, almost gentle light on the fish’s body is quite something to behold.
4 x 6ft
Original: £14,500
Canvas Print: £500
James explains why he was so keen to join the Rigby artists: “Rigby is an iconic brand, and their art is chosen to light the flame of adventure within the observer. Together we share a passionate interest in African life and the wildlife living in the continent and the oceans beyond its shore. I am privileged to be working with the brand and the team there to share my artwork with a wider audience.”
Rigby’s managing director Marc Newton added: “I’m delighted to welcome James to our cohort of talented and admired Rigby artists. His art is spellbinding in its depiction of light, water and shade, and the depiction of wildlife, fish and people is unique. This is simply superb talent which adds real depth to Rigby Art.”