The versatile work of Emily James includes seascapes, landscapes and florals, but she is best known for her architectural watercolors that employ a refined marbleizing technique. She began her career after a trip to Greece, using her sketches and photographs of ancient architecture to inspire her work. Since then, her depictions of urns, columns and pedestals are recognizable the world over.

After attending university in her native Florida, she moved to Atlanta where she taught watercolor technique and created work for individual clients and corporations. She has had many one-woman shows and has been honored with five Best-in-Show awards. James also was selected to exhibit in the Watercolor Show at the High Museum in Atlanta. Her work is included in many American and international collections, including Sheraton Hotels, IBM and RJ Reynolds/Nabisco.