David James (1853-1904)
David James (a pseudonym, real name: Joseph Donaghue) was a London-based marine painter. He was the fourth child of a London porter and, it is thought, an Irish mother. His artistic talent was discovered by a German-born picture dealer who supported his training; James lived with his patron’s family for much of his life.
Active from 1872, James painted seascapes and coastal scenes. He travelled widely around the coast but his favourite subjects were views of Cornish coast and the Scilly Isles. From the early 1890’s James concentrated on pure studies of the sea – without coast, rocks, ships or human activity. There are few artists who capture so brilliantly the sea’s colours, rolling swells and breaking waves. James exhibited four works at the Royal Academy and public collections holding his works today include, among others, the National Maritime Museum, the Shipley Gallery and the Royal Cornwall Museum.
Paintings for sale by David James:
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