James Ness was born in Perth, Scotland on 28 May 1868 and studied at the National Art Training School [from 1896 Royal College of Art] in London. He subsequently worked as a painter, etcher and sculptor. His occupation was given as Teacher (Science & Art) in the 1891 Scotland Census. He taught at the Technical School in Paisley until c.1910 when he moved to London. Ness exhibited at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool; the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh; and at Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts. Ness's address was given as 9 South Street, Perth, Perthshire in 1881 and 1891; 11 Mavisbank Terrace, Paisley in 1906 and 1909; 100 Finborough Road West Brompton, London in 1911; and 21 Coleherne Road, West Brompton, London in 1939.