Brief Biography-James Arthur O'Connor was born in Dublin. His father was a print seller and engraver, whom it is said possibly tutored James and not William Sadler as it is widely believed. Sadler gave him a couple of lessons; however, it is likely that James was mostly self taught. In 1813 he went to England with George Petrie and Francis Danby. After a short while he left them behind to return home so he could look after his little sisters who were orphans. He did some work in the west of Ireland before returning to England in 1822. He later paid visits to Brussels, Paris and the Rhine Valley. He exhibited in London and at the RHA. In the last few years of his life his eyesight sowly failed. He died in 1841.