David James was a prolific Marine painter.Yet surprisingly, little is known about the artist. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1886 from an address in Dalston, Cumberland, and from 1892-97 from an address in Maida Vale, London.

At his best he was a very skilful painter of the sea from the shore. Like Henry Moore, James was more interested in pure studies of the sea rather than topographical coastal views. He was especially good at painting waves. His favourite locations being Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The National Maritime Museum has a fine, large example of breakers. Titles of works exhibited at the R.A. include 'A North Cornish Breaker' and 'An Atlantic Roller'.