Mentored by the late A. J. Casson, the last living member of Canada's famous Group of Seven, and studying under colourist Marjorie Smith, MFA, the artist developed his own style of painting in watercolour and acrylic.

James is a signature member of the United Society of Artists, UK, a former vice-chair of Central Arts, Scotland and also a founding member of the Acrylic Painters Society of Ontario. He and his wife, Eileen, who manages the couples art business, now reside in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

Besides some prestigious art galleries in Scotland, the original work of James E. Pay can be viewed and purchased at the Tay River Gallery, Perth, Ontario and Artport Gallery at the Halifax International Airport, Lyghtsome Gallery, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Warp & Woof Gallery, Chester, Nova Scotia and The Cheesecake Gallery in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Art prints and art cards are displayed and sold at many Nova Scotia locations as well as at Tay River Gallery in Perth Ontario.