Born in Kirkwall, Scotland on March 21, 1906. Wright studied at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating with top honors and scholarships for further art study in Europe. Following his art studies, he came to the U.S. about 1930. After working for seven years in Santa Barbara, he settled in Pasadena where he taught at City College. During the 1930s his still lifes and landscapes were considered bold and modern and garnered 48 awards. Wright died in Los Angeles on Dec. 25, 1969. Exh: LA AA, 1924-53; Pasadena Society of Artists, 1930s; Calif. WC Society, 1931-56; Ebell Club (LA), 1933; SFMA, 1935; LACMA, 1936; GGIE, 1939; Pottinger Gallery (Pasadena), 1939; City Hall (LA), 1951 Palos Verdes AA, 1953. In: U.S. Custom House (LA); Oakland Museum; LACMA; SFMA; Santa Barbara Museum; San Diego Museum; Pasadena Museum.

Biography provided courtesy of "California Watercolors 1850-1970" By Gordon T. McClelland and Jay T. Last.

James Couper Wright (1906-1969)...Born: Kirkwall, Scotland

Studied: Edinburgh College of Art

Member: American Watercolor Society, California Water Color Society.

James Couper Wright grew up in the Orkney Islands. After attending the Edinburgh College of Art, he went to France and Germany on a scholarship to study the design of stained glass windows. While studying this art form, he worked with transparent painting mediums and became particularly interested in watercolor painting. He came to California in 1930 and settled in Pasadena.

Transparent watercolors were his favorite medium, and while he often went out on location to sketch, he preferred to paint his final works in the studio. As an art instructor, Wright taught at the Otis Art Institute, Occidental College and Coronado School of Fine Arts. He also conducted private classes in watercolor painting for many years.

Biographical information:

California Water Color Society (Catalogs).