James Edward Burks

Palm Bay, Florida artist James Edward Burks sees his artistry as an expression of the design placed in him by the Creator. James has been blessed with a passion and excitement for art since his earliest memories of growing up in Lansing, Michigan. He would read his comic books on the front porch, and then proceed to draw some of the characters for his friends. He has found enjoyment working in watercolors, pastels, pen and ink, colored pencils, acrylics through the years and recently has returned to painting in oil. Portraits, landscapes and wildlife art have been amongst his favorite subjects, and he has spent years working as a graphic designer. James has an education background in Commercial Art/Illustration, Management of Human Resources, Elementary Education (K - 6 and K - 12 Art) and a Master’s degree in Theology with over 30 years of pastoral/ministry work. James currently heads a ministry doing work with local pastors in Malawi, Africa. James has taught elementary school and college level art classes and in the summer of 2015, he gained certification as a Certified Ross Instructor CRI®, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. James has always treasured the opportunity to express his creativity and imagination and he loves to help others find theirs as well. In 2020, James entered the world of being a self-published children's book author and illustrator. James has an amazing wife, Heather, four children and ten grandchildren. In 2024, James will be retiring from public education to focus more time on his art business, creating books, and family time.