Red and Blue Boat on Gray

James Dodds is a British artist, not French, born in 1957 in Brightlingsea, Essex, England. He is renowned for his paintings, prints, and woodcuts that focus on maritime themes, particularly the traditional boats and shipbuilding heritage of the East Anglian coast. Dodds trained at Colchester School of Art, Chelsea School of Art, and the Royal College of Art, London. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for craftsmanship, often depicting boats with a sculptural quality that reflects his background as a shipwright.

Dodds has exhibited widely in the United Kingdom, with notable solo exhibitions at institutions such as the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich and the Firstsite Gallery in Colchester. His works are included in several public and private collections, including the British Council and the Victoria and Albert Museum. At auction, Dodds’ pieces have appeared at major houses such as Bonhams, where his paintings and prints of boats and coastal scenes have attracted collectors interested in maritime art. His distinctive style and dedication to documenting the maritime culture of his native region have established him as a significant figure in contemporary British art.