Diya James (XX-XXI) - Still Life
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Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,200
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Still Life, a 2020+ charcoal study with white chalk highlights on Ingres paper by Diya James (XX-XXI) from the United Kingdom, signed, in excellent condition, original edition, 36 cm high by 22.5 cm wide.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Still Life is an intimate charcoal study that demonstrates Diya James' disciplined approach to observation and draftsmanship. Executed in charcoal with subtle white chalk highlights on Ingres paper, the composition arranges a traditional metal coffee pot alongside simple ceramic vessels, reducing everyday objects to a harmonious dialogue of light, shadow and proportion.
Rather than pursuing intricate detail, James focuses on tonal relationships and spatial balance. Soft transitions between deep blacks and luminous whites create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, while the restrained palette encourages the viewer to appreciate form, weight and texture without distraction.
Created while teaching life drawing, the work reflects the artist's belief that demonstration remains one of the purest exercises in artistic practice. The immediacy of the medium preserves every decisive mark, revealing both confidence and sensitivity.
Executed in charcoal and white chalk on Ingres paper.
36 × 22.5 cm.
⸻
About the artist:
Diya James is a contemporary realist portrait painter and draughtsman whose practice is rooted in the traditions of classical atelier training. Educated at the renowned Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy, James developed a rigorous approach to painting directly from life, specialising in portraiture executed at life scale.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of classical sculpture and the dramatic naturalism of Baroque painting, James combines technical precision with a sensitive psychological approach to representation. His work explores the timeless relationship between artist and sitter, balancing disciplined observation with an intimate understanding of character and presence.
Alongside his personal practice, James teaches portrait painting, continuing the atelier tradition of passing technical knowledge from one generation of artists to the next. He also undertakes private portrait commissions, producing works distinguished by their quiet realism, refined craftsmanship and enduring sense of humanity.
Diya James is represented by Havisham & Co., where his paintings are introduced to collectors through curated sales and selected auction placements.
⸻
Havisham & Co.
Havisham & Co. is a London-based fine art agency representing contemporary artists whose work engages with heritage, symbolism, and classical craftsmanship. The agency facilitates the placement of original artworks through curated sales, private transactions, and selected international auction platforms.
Instagram: @havishamco
Website: www.havishamco.com
Email: info@havishamco.com
Seller's Story
Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth. Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth.
Instagram: havishamco
Still Life is an intimate charcoal study that demonstrates Diya James' disciplined approach to observation and draftsmanship. Executed in charcoal with subtle white chalk highlights on Ingres paper, the composition arranges a traditional metal coffee pot alongside simple ceramic vessels, reducing everyday objects to a harmonious dialogue of light, shadow and proportion.
Rather than pursuing intricate detail, James focuses on tonal relationships and spatial balance. Soft transitions between deep blacks and luminous whites create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, while the restrained palette encourages the viewer to appreciate form, weight and texture without distraction.
Created while teaching life drawing, the work reflects the artist's belief that demonstration remains one of the purest exercises in artistic practice. The immediacy of the medium preserves every decisive mark, revealing both confidence and sensitivity.
Executed in charcoal and white chalk on Ingres paper.
36 × 22.5 cm.
⸻
About the artist:
Diya James is a contemporary realist portrait painter and draughtsman whose practice is rooted in the traditions of classical atelier training. Educated at the renowned Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy, James developed a rigorous approach to painting directly from life, specialising in portraiture executed at life scale.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of classical sculpture and the dramatic naturalism of Baroque painting, James combines technical precision with a sensitive psychological approach to representation. His work explores the timeless relationship between artist and sitter, balancing disciplined observation with an intimate understanding of character and presence.
Alongside his personal practice, James teaches portrait painting, continuing the atelier tradition of passing technical knowledge from one generation of artists to the next. He also undertakes private portrait commissions, producing works distinguished by their quiet realism, refined craftsmanship and enduring sense of humanity.
Diya James is represented by Havisham & Co., where his paintings are introduced to collectors through curated sales and selected auction placements.
⸻
Havisham & Co.
Havisham & Co. is a London-based fine art agency representing contemporary artists whose work engages with heritage, symbolism, and classical craftsmanship. The agency facilitates the placement of original artworks through curated sales, private transactions, and selected international auction platforms.
Instagram: @havishamco
Website: www.havishamco.com
Email: info@havishamco.com
Seller's Story
Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth. Havisham & Co. was founded on the belief that contemporary art can still carry a sense of heritage. Working from London, we collaborate closely with a small group of artists whose practices are informed by classical balance, symbolism, and material depth.
Instagram: havishamco
Details
Artist
Diya James (XX-XXI)
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Agent
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Still Life
Technique
Charcoal
Signature
Signed
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
36 cm
Width
22.5 cm
Depiction/theme
Portrait
Style
Realism
Period
2020+
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