Jimmy Boston may look like a basketball player — which he was — but beneath the athletic exterior lies the heart, and talent, of an artist.

A self-professed late bloomer, Boston began painting eight years ago, years after he studied graphic design at North Carolina Central University; years after he spent a few seasons playing professional basketball overseas. Barring a single introductory painting class required for his degree, Boston is self-taught. Shy by nature, Boston has chosen now to unveil his paintings, and his talent, to the public.

“This year I’m going to go ahead and hopefully show North Carolina and the U.S. that I can paint — because God blessed me with the gift and I need to show it,” Boston said.

Boston’s style is reminiscent of the late Ernie Barnes, considered the father of neo-Mannerism — the elongation of the human figure and the capture of movement evidenced in his paintings. Like Boston, Barnes was a North Carolinian and an athlete: he played in the NFL before becoming a celebrated artist. Like Barnes, Boston’s work is urban and genteel at the same time.

“Most of my paintings remind people of New Orleans, but I’ve never been to New Orleans before,” Boston laughed.

In the spirit of New Orleans, jazz music is a common theme in many of his acrylic pieces. Boston said his boom box kept him company much of his childhood growing up in Washington, as he’d switch back and forth between radio stations, listening to whatever caught his ear. It’s a habit he said he hasn’t given up.

“I just sit there and listen while I paint. I love to listen to music. It just keeps me in the zone when I’m painting,” Boston said.

That zone is paying off for Boston. His work was recently juried into a renowned Louisville, Ky., art fair preceding the Kentucky Derby and on April 12, he won Best in 2D artwork at the Pitt County Arts Council’s juried Fine Arts exhibit at Pirate Fest in Greenville. He’s busy applying to shows across the U.S., but in Washington, right now his work can be found at Sentimental Susan’s on Water Street.