I describe myself as an outdoorsman, gardener-homesteader, writer and artist. I retired this spring from my full-time job as a principal in an award winning medium sized accounting firm.
Author/Artist Bio
Jim Dimick Jr is a native of the Upper Midwest, born and raised in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He is a graduate of Northfield high school and St Olaf College in southern Minnesota. He was a middle school teacher and a high school coach in the small town of LeSueur, Minnesota for six years. He then spent a year traveling with a backpack and working in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. After returning to college to earn a CPA degree, he spent 35 years in public accounting, finishing his career as a principal in an award-winning accounting firm. During 24 of these years, he was also a basketball coach, at both the high school and collegiate Division 3 level.
Jim wrote and published his first book Hometown Kid City Kid in August of 2021. He has produced many paintings. Most of the boundary waters art is watercolor paintings created on-site in the wilderness of Northern Minnesota. Others are landscapes and sports paintings in oils. He comes by this naturally, as his maternal grandmother Francis Cleary Hopkins was an oil painter. And his family tree is full of other people active in their own local art, music, stage, and writing communities. His paternal grandfather Richard Dimick was a tenth-generation American farmer, believing in and practicing sustainable farming ahead of his time. His father Jim Sr was the legendary baseball coach at St Olaf, and his mother Nancy was a volunteer and homemaker.
​
Jim and his wife Martha Holton Dimick live in a century-old brick house in North Minneapolis, which they bought as a foreclosed property and restored. It was originally a farmhouse, and one of the original homes of the Ewald family which provided dairy products for the city in the early twentieth century. There is no longer a barn and Guernsey cows behind the house, but there is a large vegetable garden and three chickens. Martha recently retired from her position as a Hennepin County judge.
​
An Interview with Jim
Jim Dimick Jr: Stories, Paint, and the Soul of Minnesota
Jim Dimick Jr is both an artist and an author, and his work blends these two worlds with ease. A strong sense of place shines through every brushstroke and every line he writes. Minnesota Author/Artist Jim Dimick Jr creates stories and images that feel warm, real, and close to home. You can almost smell pine trees, hear lake waves, and feel suburb life in motion. His art and books do not just show scenes. They tell stories people can step into and enjoy.
A Creative Voice Rooted in Minnesota
Jim Dimick Jr brings writing and painting together in a natural way. His work speaks to people who love simple joys. Lakes, kids playing ball, city streets, and quiet corners all find a place in his art.
He grew up with deep ties to Minnesota life, and those roots shape every project. His writing carries a friendly tone, like a neighbor sharing a story. His paintings feel alive, full of color and memory.
He stands among respected Northeast Minneapolis artists, a group known for strong creative energy. His work adds a personal touch to this space, making everyday life feel special.
Books That Feel Like Home
Jim Dimick Jr writes with clarity and heart. His books pull readers into real moments. Each page feels easy to follow, yet rich with meaning.
Key Works Worth Exploring
Canoe Country Lakes & Landscapes
A visual and written journey through Minnesota’s natural beauty. Lakes, trees, and sky come alive through both words and art.
Hometown Kid, City Kid
This story captures the shift between suburb roots and city life. It is about African Americans moving into the suburbs. The book covers history, basketball, and race relations. Readers connect with the honest tone and familiar scenes.
His writing style stays simple and clear. Kids can enjoy it, and adults still find depth in every chapter.
Paintings Full of Life and Motion
Jim Dimick Jr paints moments people know and love. He focuses on scenes with energy and emotion. Sports, daily life, and nature all come together on canvas.
His role as a live portrait painting artist adds a special layer to his work. He paints people in real time, right in front of them. This creates a strong connection between artist and subject.
At events, he also works as an instant portrait painting artist. Guests watch their portraits take shape in minutes. It feels fun, personal, and memorable.
Capturing the Spirit of Baseball and Community
One of his most loved themes is the Minnesota town baseball team. These games carry deep meaning in local communities. They bring people together on warm evenings under open skies.
Jim Dimick Jr paints these scenes with care. Players, fans, and fields come alive in his work. You can feel the excitement and pride in each piece.
He understands what makes these moments special. It is not just the game. It is the people, the stories, and the shared time.
A Style That Feels Real and Personal
Jim Dimick Jr keeps things honest and simple. His art connects through truth and feeling, not complexity.
What Makes His Work Stand Out:
-
Simple scenes with deep meaning
-
Strong use of color and light
-
Real-life stories and moments
-
A friendly and easy tone in writing
-
A clear focus on people and place
His style works because it feels real. You see it, feel it, and understand it right away.
Connection With Northeast Minneapolis
Being part of the Northeast Minneapolis artists community adds depth to his work. This area supports creativity and local voices. Jim Dimick Jr fits right in, while still bringing his own style.
His work reflects both city life and quiet nature. This mix gives him a wide range. He can paint a busy street or a calm lake with equal ease.
Art You Can Experience Live
Meeting Jim Dimick Jr in person adds another layer to his work. Watching him paint brings excitement. You see each step, from blank canvas to finished piece.
As a live portrait painting artist, he creates a shared moment with his audience. People watch and react as their image forms.
His role as an instant portrait painting artist makes events lively. Guests feel involved and leave with a unique keepsake.
Why His Work Matters?
Jim Dimick Jr brings attention to everyday beauty. He shows scenes people might pass by without a second look and turns them into something meaningful.
His work reminds people of where they come from. It highlights local stories and shared memories. Through both writing and painting, he keeps Minnesota stories alive.
A Personal Touch in Every Creation
Each project from Jim Dimick Jr feels personal. You can tell he cares about every detail. His work reflects real life, with warmth and a sense of connection.
Readers and viewers feel seen. His stories and images carry emotion and memory, which keep people coming back.
Explore Jim Dimick Jr Work Today
Jim Dimick Jr offers more than art and books. He offers a view into real life, filled with heart and meaning. His work speaks to anyone who values simple joys and strong roots.
If you want art that feels alive or stories that stay with you, explore his work today. Browse his collections, and experience his creative world. Bring a piece of Minnesota into your life and see it through his eyes.