Discerning Charlie
£995.00
Title: Discerning Charlie
Artist: Paul James
Type: Limited edition giclée canvas Print
Image size: 92.0cm x 92.0cm
Framed Size (approximate): 105.0cm x 105.0cm
Edition size: 125
Available formats:
Mounted: in a warm white mount
Framed: in a black box frame
Discerning Charlie by Paul James
Discerning Charlie
“Discerning Charlie” captures the ongoing adventures of the ever-popular Mallard Duck, Charlie, who, on this occasion, seems to have taken a whimsical jaunt across “the pond,” judging by the State-side inspired items surrounding him. Whether he is truly discerning or not may depend on your perspective; however, as ducks go, he’s certainly becoming quite a star.
A Closer Look at the Details
Let’s take a closer look at the delightful references dotted around. Have you noticed the clever twist on “Starbucks” with “Starducks”? Furthermore, there’s the amusing adaptation of “Budweiser” to “Charlie and his Streetwise Buddies” beer.
Additionally, don’t forget the reimagined Napa Valley, now playfully named “Quacka Valley.” If you translate “Vino Pato,” you might just discover some intriguing “Duck Wine.” Knowing that Paul James has a passion for fine wine, it really isn’t surprising that he has creatively adapted the bottle to fit Charlie’s unique world—complete with snacks on the side to complement it, of course.
Intricate Artwork
As for the detail of the artwork, notice the fine feathers that Paul James beautifully depicts on this adorable mallard duck. Moreover, the brick wall offers such an incredible 3D effect that it makes Charlie almost “pop out” of the artwork, drawing viewers in further.
Charlie’s Diverse Personality
We often joke in the gallery that Charlie is a bit like a human, exhibiting different moods and states of mind. One moment he is “Discerning,” the next he’s “Philosophical,” and then, under the influence of “Champagne,” he may be quite happy to jump up and down in a puddle, as showcased in “Puddle Town.” All of the artworks mentioned are available as limited editions, highlighting the fact that Charlie has truly become a star, featured in at least 10 of Paul’s artworks over the years.
Paul James Art and Music
Although essentially self-taught he did attend art College, at the insistence of his teachers to study graphic design.
Paul however, did not feel it was necessarily the right path to take and this proved to be the case, so being something of a non-conformist, he made the decision not to complete the course.
Instead he started to paint. At first mostly mechanical subjects, such as classic cars and aircraft, and was a one-time member of the ‘Guild of motoring artists’.
He also made something of a living taking commissions to paint portraits of peoples pet dogs and cats.
Paul also was developing a career in music, playing both organ and piano in a range of pubs, clubs and cocktail bars, but after a while as this did not live up to the rock star lifestyle, he envisaged he returned to his art and took up painting professionally in 1986.



