Considered by many to have been the consummate painter among his Cowboy Artist peers, James Reynolds left a legacy in his art that few will ever achieve.  Born in Taft, California, Reynolds became inspired by the old west when he visited his grandmother's old hotel during the summers in Washington, California.  Later he attended the Kahn Art Institute in Los Angeles after serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II.

Reynolds worked as an illustrator for the film industry and produced the artwork for over 150 films, many of which were Westerns.  In the late sixties, he was able to devote himself full time to fine art.  Reynolds became a revered member of not only the Cowboy Artists of America but also the equally prestigious National Academy of Western artists. 

Considered by many to be the artist's artist, Reynolds is the only artist to have won the purchase award, the buyer's award, and the gold medal for the best painting in the same year at the annual Prix de West show at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.  In addition, Reynolds won two gold and three silver medals at the Cowboy Artists' of America annual show during the course of his career.