Coming April: Jim Cantrell, "Architectural Paintings & Illustrations"

Lowber Gallery is proudly hosting 90 year old artist Jim Cantrell., “Architectural Paintings & Illustrations” Spring 2026. Artist reception is Friday, April 24th, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

Mr. Cantrell is the only artist from Kentucky to paint the official poster for the Kentucky Derby (2017).

“I work realistically in any of the mediums I use (oils, watercolors, drawings). I think of my work as abstracted realism imbued with the critical elements of strong design and composition. I am drawn to the elusive concepts of reflection, light, and color as a means to foster a sense of narrative intrigue. I am always searching, being inspired by what I see. The resulting vision may incorporate landscape, architecture, still life, figure, wild life.

I differ from other painters because I do tend to deal with a multitude of subjects. My work over the years indicates I don’t fit into a box or a particular school of thought. I feel that painting is like life. It needs to have balance but be spiced with variety. My work certainly reflects that desire in my psyche. It also helps explain the various “periods” and/or styles that have evolved in my work over the years.”