James paints mostly in oils and is inspired by what attracts or interests him. He loves the challenge of painting feelings or emotions. Painting water and the sea is a constant source of inspiration for him partly because the sea, is in itself, an opportunity to express emotion. He also delights in portraying figures.

Because he feels that generally, women tend to be more emotionally intelligent than men, James finds them to be a wonderful medium to express feelings. He particularly appreciates the female form, working hard to avoid depicting anything which could be seen as salacious. 

He sees much in our world as it is, which is dull or even banal and full of difficulties for so many and so he tries to bring a feeling of 'joie de vivre' to many of his works. To what extent he has succeeded in this, is for you, the viewing public to judge.