And They're Off

James Jahrsdoerfer (1953–2015) was an American painter, predominantly self-taught, who built his practice through constant making and an insistence on working from life. His subject matter ranged widely, from Adirondack landscapes to New York City scenes, reflecting an artist who painted what surrounded him and followed curiosity wherever it led.

He preferred painting outdoors, even in difficult weather, and continuously experimented across approaches including impressionism, expressionism, and photo-real tendencies. That restless exploration became a hallmark of his career, resulting in work that feels direct, lived-in, and deeply responsive to place and moment.