About the artist
David James, a marine painter from Britain, lived an intriguing life. Born in Ireland in 1853, he later settled in Dalston, Cumbria, adopting the name David James. Initially a pavement artist, his exceptional talent caught the attention of a German picture dealer, who supported his artistic development. James became fascinated with seascapes, particularly crashing waves, which became his trademark. He shifted his focus to Cornwall and Scilly, producing fascinating oil paintings of coastal scenes and the sea. well known for his large depictions of breaking waves, he showcased his works at various London exhibitions and the Royal Academy. James, like Henry Moore, focused on pure studies of the sea rather than typical coastal views.