James Couper Wright was born in Kirkwall, Scotland on March 21, 1906. He 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 Pasadena 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 December 25, 1969.

 

Exhibited: Los Angeles Art Association, 1924-53; Pasadena Society of Artists, 1930s; California Watercolor Society, 1931-56; Ebell Club, Los Angeles, 1933; San Francisco Museum of Art, 1935; Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art, 1936; Golden Gate International Exposition, 1939; Pottinger Gallery, Pasadena, 1939; Los Angeles City Hall, 1951; Palos Verdes Art Association, 1953.

 

Works Held: U.S. Custom House, Los Angeles; Oakland Art Museum.

 

Sources: Artists in California, 1786-1940, Edan Hughes

Who's Who in American Art 1936-70

California Arts and Architecture list, 1932

Southern California Artists 1890-1940, Nancy Moure