Born in Dublin in 1929, James Nolan studied Fine Art at St. Martin's College of Art in London and at the National College of Art in Dublin under Sean Keating, RHA and Maurice MacGonigal, RHA. He graduated in Fine Art (Painting) in 1958. From 1959 to 1977 he taught Fine Art at the National College of Art and left to make painting a full time career.

He was elected Associate of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1969 and Member in 1975, and served as Keeper from 1978 to 1988. He was elected Member of the WaterColour Society of Ireland in 1974 and served as President from 1981 to 1994. He was a Trustee of the National Self-Portrait Collection, University of Limerick, from its inception in 1981 to 1988. He was a memb...