Meet the Artist: Jim Weiss

Name: Jim Weiss

Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio. December 10, 1942.

Favorite Mediums: Pen & ink; colored pencil; pencil; and pastel.

Jim Weiss says the foundation of his artistic endeavors came at an early age and from a very pragmatic point of view.

"As a preschooler my problem-solving mother could keep me busy just by providing paper with either paints, pencils, or crayons." And in turn, Weiss says he had his own strategy, "My problem-solving involved keeping my mother happy."

As Weiss grew older, influences outside his household began to take hold.

"Beginning in elementary school, before the age of vending machine treats and sludged bellies, I was a bookworm, and often looked through library art books and history books," he says.

Weiss also grew up with great respect and awe of the old masters, especially Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer and the later masters Frederic Remington, Edouard Manet and Gustav Klimt.

Weiss says his favorite subjects are scenes such as the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and portraits of the working class including waitresses, street vendors and the homeless.

Weiss is also fond of depicting police officers, whom he can certainly relate to. The artist is a retired lieutenant with the Brook Park, Ohio Police Department and was an investigator with the state of Florida.

Weiss also has a competitive streak, he says he enjoys seeing how his talent stacks up against others. "If the piece of art is a project, I look forward to framing it and showing it, especially in competition," Weiss says.

"There are many fine artists in this part of Tampa Bay; showing art with them is a learning experience, a sharing of experienced progress, and any art awards are a boost."

You can reach Jim Weiss at

JWEISS2109@aol.com