Known for his dioramas at natural history museums, James Perry Wilson spent many months of extensive research on each one of his works, which reflected his extensive scientific knowledge.

He also was a prolific plein-air painter, something about him that is not nearly as well known as his museum work. His plein-air method was very different from his dioramas because his landscapes were executed quickly and on small canvasboards, either eight by ten inches or twelve by sixteen. He did these paintings for relaxation and enjoyment., and for many of his scenes, he traveled to upstate New York, New Jersey, and New England, especially Monhegan Island.

He had no formal training in painting as his academic training was in architecture...