Cap'n Jim's Gallery

Before the advent of digital printing processes, the reproduction of artwork was obligated to the craftsmanship of the four-color press. It relied on the collaborative eye of the artist and the printer making adjustments to each color until dad was satisfied. Once the color corrections were achieved and dad gave his final approval, twenty artist’s proofs were selected prior to running the remaining edition. These were considered slightly closer to the color of the original that all the rest and, as such, were highly prized. Even more so today.

Many original buyers have asked how their J. Clary original painting will appreciate in value over the years. While it is difficult to predict the future, it is easy to prove the steady upward spiral of what his work has commanded over the years. In 1968 he painted the Flying Cloud for a gentleman in St. Clair, Michigan. This painting was the same size and complexity of his paintings that presently sell for upwards of $75,000. That 1968 painting sold for $180.00.



Many of his original works were sold even before he put brush to canvas. Certainly because of his name, the publicity surrounding his books, and the media buzz surrounding a specific work, many collectors purchased original works in inventory, a work in progress, or commission him for a subject of their liking. His career, work, and reputation still offer the distinct assurance of significant appreciation in the future. Whether a prominent historical vessel, a favorite sailing ship, freighter, tug, or a private pleasure boat, Jim Clary captured forever the memory of the Great Lakes and Seven Seas.

FULL COLOR ACRYLIC PAINTINGS 
The acrylic original paintings were researched, verified, and created with the utmost detail and accuracy. Thanks to his affiliation with numerous maritime museums, he had many sources from which to gather reference data in preparation for each work. For the more complex subjects, numerous work sketches were first rendered and corrected before the final painting. Prices varied according to size and complexity. With the purchase of each original, the buyer received any existing work sketches, the number one Artist Proof, and a number of complimentary collector prints of that work, if reproduced.



PEN & INK DRAWINGS 
J. Clary pen & ink drawings were created with the same detail as his color works. To assure accuracy each work was corrected to existing reference data before inked. Pen and ink drawings float on the page and do not extend to the edges of the board on which it is drawn.



PEN & INK AND 
ACRYLIC COLOR COMBINATION WORKS These works were rendered in pen & ink and finished in color acrylic. These images also float on the illustration board and do not extend to the edge of the board. While this free flowing technique offered a fresh and unique creation, it still retained Clary's trademark of precise detail. Consider a work by one of America's most prolific marine artists.

For further information please contact us at 810.329.7447