Born in Denver Colorado, Jim Wodark spent most of his youth growing up near the Flatirons. Both of his parents were artistic and he was tremendously influenced by them and the natural beauty of the environment.

Following 15 years working as a cartoonist, Jim moved to California in 1990 where he met his wife, Julie. It was at that point that he began to paint with oils professionally. The birth of their first child, Clint, in 1998 focused his desire to paint while being a stay at home dad. In 2000 they had twin girls; Sophia and Gwen, which believe it or not helped him focus even more!

As a dedicated artist, Jim has experienced significant growth and success in his career. "I love painting and being outside, and the "Plein Air" movement here in California is a perfect match!" Jim has taken his love of painting on location and has been able to replicate what he has seen to his studio where he creates larger pieces. "When I started painting I decided that my work would consist of images that I wanted to paint. I did a number of commissions in the cartoon business, and now I want my paintings to be an expression of what I see as beautiful and inspiring!"

Jim strives in creating paintings that make a difference in people's lives, and finds these goals challenging and inspirational. "I have been blessed with the passion to create! I am thankful that people respond to my work and that it makes a difference in their homes and businesses!"

Wodark has won numerous awards and was just recently featured in the September issue of Southwest Art Magazine as an "Artist to Watch". He is also belongs to several painting groups which include: the California Art Club Artist member, the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and the Oil Painters of America.

Jim's artwork is currently represented in several galleries across California and Arizona including: Waterhouse Gallery in Santa Barbara, CA, Studio 7 Gallery in Laguna Beach, CA, Chemers Gallery in Tustin, CA, Sanders Gallery in Tucson, AZ, and The Willow Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ.