On the Road with James Mansour – “The Arizona Painter” in Mesa, AZ

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a week working alongside and learning from one of the most respected names in the painting industry: James Mansour, better known as “The Arizona Painter.” Based in Mesa, Arizona, James is known not only for his flawless finishes and passion for the trade but also for inspiring a community of painters across the country with his dedication, creativity, and professionalism.

From day one, it was clear that James runs his projects with precision and pride. We spent the week tackling everything from interiors to exteriors under the Arizona sun, all while sharing techniques, product insights, and plenty of laughs. As a fellow professional painter, it was refreshing to see how much care and attention he pours into every job.

James swears by Dunn-Edwards Paints—a brand known for its high-performance coatings that hold up beautifully in the Southwest heat. It was awesome getting hands-on experience with an amazing product line and seeing how the paint performed in real-world conditions.

We also had a chance to work with some seriously reliable tools and supplies, including the ultra-clean Blue Dolphin tapes and high-performance washi tape—both essentials for delivering razor-sharp lines and clean edges that pros like James insist on. As painters, we know the prep makes all the difference, and these tools definitely live up to the hype.

Beyond the job sites, James gave me a tour of Mesa and the surrounding area, showing me what makes this part of Arizona so unique. The landscape, the light, and the people all had one thing in common—they’re bold, warm, and full of character. Just like the work James does every day.

This trip wasn’t just about painting. It was about connecting with someone who truly lives and breathes the trade. I left Arizona with new ideas, deeper respect for the craft, and a solid friendship with a fellow professional who’s raising the bar for painters everywhere.

If you don’t already follow James, I highly recommend checking out The Arizona Painter across his platforms—he’s a constant source of inspiration, technique, and motivation for painters at every stage of their journey. @thearizonapainter

Until next time, Mesa!