Collection: Jim Salvati - Artist

JIM SALVATI ART COLLECTION

"I'm just a regular guy," Jim says, recalling his days growing up surfing Southern California's beaches before graduating from Art Center College of Design in 1982. "I tell my students that you don't have to be the most talented to make it—you just need passion and determination."

Describing his style as "painterly realism," Jim's favorite subjects are people, each with a unique story. He sees his art as a window into different cultures and communities, capturing emotions, gestures, and environments. Even in his Disney art, Jim aims to highlight the defining moments in a character's life—the bold, courageous moments that reveal their true essence. His works often depict emotionally charged scenes, such as Bambi's loss in the woods or Simba's moment of reckoning in the canyon.

Jim works primarily in oil on panels or mounted paper, using thick layers of paint to create texture, which he believes adds depth and emotion to his storytelling. "I like the time oil gives me to play with color and build layers," he explains.

For over 22 years, Jim has been a beloved instructor at the Art Center, finding teaching as fulfilling as painting. His down-to-earth style resonates with students, and his extensive experience bridges the worlds of print, film, animation, and fine art. Through his teaching, Jim remains connected to the evolving landscape of art and its intersection with technology.