Jim Williams received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wayne State University.  Jim is a self-taught impressionist realist painter depicting a style that is partly derived from the study of classical 19th and 20th century American and European artists.  Jim worked 23 years as a social worker in foster care and delinquincy prior to his retirement from the State of Michigan.  Since retirement he has been an instructor-creator of inner city art programs for youth at Grandale Presbyterian Church, All Saints Community Center and Southwest Presbyterian Church in Detroit.  Prior to retirement Jim was a casework manager in the area of foster care and delinquency services for the State of Michigan.  In recent years Jim has participated in additional studies at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Association..    Each year brings further exploration of the media Jim employs.  His paintings are oils on canvas and he uses a combination of brush and palette knife technique.   Paintings are drafted by brush and the use of layering and glazing methods are used to create effective sutble or contrasting elements as needed.  Many paintings include a whimsical element to speak personally to the observer. Photos (past and present) and some research material from the Burton Library have helped him create some of these themes.  Some paintings reflect personal experiences and recollections.  This work is a continual growing process which gives Jim personal pleasure and an opportunity to learn new methods of painting that help him redefine places and events in his life.