James Picard was born in Toronto, Ontario where he studied art at Sheridan College and the Ontario College of Art. He went on to apprentice with Cuban artist Ramon Amor, Canadian sculptor Thaddaeus Szpelowitz, and noted Canadian artist Harold Town. In 1987, while exhibiting in New York, he won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the International Art Competition, and has since captured awards for his work in Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Montreal along with his most recent 1996 award for sculpting in New York City.

He has exhibited extensively throughout North America, and most recently in Paris. His work can be found in collections in the United States, Canada, Japan, London, Paris, Germany and Spain. A recent documentary film entitled "Off The Canvas" chronicles the outstanding achievements of Picard's career thus far.

He currently teaches drawing, painting and sculpture in Vancouver, British Columbia as well as in New York. He has been honoured for his work with inner city children and has received awards for his volunteer work with underprivileged and hospitalized children in both Canada and in the United States.