James was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, where his passion for drawing and painting developed at an early age. He graduated from the Commercial Art Program at Capilano College in 1986 and worked a number of years as an illustrator in advertising and architecture.

James also has a curiosity towards science and technology, which eventually led to employment as a mechanical designer in the building construction industry. While enjoying the challenges of this different type of creativity and problem solving, he also came to the realization that his art means more than just a hobby to him. In 2006 he began exhibiting his elaborately executed watercolours at various shows throughout the Vancouver area and now dedicates himself full time to painting.

"My inspiration is usually some everyday experience of the world around me and especially the way light and shadow play upon a subject. All types of subject matter interest me and I am reluctant to restrict myself to any one genre. But being fortunate to have grown up in 'Beautiful B.C.' and enjoy many trips throughout the province, I feel a deep-rooted connection to British Columbia’s rugged landscapes and waterscapes. That connection often presents itself in my work.

“The choice of watercolour as a medium was influenced by my teachers at Capilano College, and although an unforgiving medium, it continues to intrigue me with its possibilities.”

James’ specialty has come to be highly detailed and meticulously executed watercolours, but over the last few years he has acted on the urge to get out of the studio and paint more spontaneously "en plein air" (outdoors directly from life). He has also been experimenting with acrylic paints on canvas, enjoying the creative freedom provided by this medium's versatility.