Wyland was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was a student of the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and majored in sculpture and painting. After graduating, Professors Jay Holland, Russel Keeter and Bill Gerard urged Wyland to relocate to California where he could continue to improve on his already evident artistic talent.

Wyland has earned the reputation of being one of America’s most exceptional innovative influences, as well as an outspoken advocate for marine resource conservation. His non-profit Wyland Foundation supports several conservation programs, including his monumental "100 Whaling Walls" mural project — an epic series of one hundred life sized marine life murals that spans twelve countries on four continents, and is viewed by an estimated 1 billion people every year. The project is now documented in a deluxe Collector's Fine Art Book - one of 20 this prolific artist has written and published so far. The artist’s efforts, moreover, have been recognized by the United Nations, Sierra Club, the Underwater Academy of Arts and Sciences, where he is listed among its Diving Hall of Fame, and private and public institutions throughout the world.

Over the years, James Coleman’s name has become synonymous with sweeping skies, tropical rainforests, rich deep woods and silent deserts. Coleman got his start with Walt Disney Productions in the mailroom, in the summer of 1969 through his mother, who was a longtime secretary for Disney. Coleman’s big break came when he entered one of his paintings in the studio art show. Several of the Disney artists viewed James Coleman’s artwork in the show, and immediately saw his potential and his untapped ability to paint. They wisely encouraged him to pursue animation background painting. In working on such notable films as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Too,” “Fox and the Hound,” “The Great Mouse Detective,” and many more, James Coleman has indeed devoted his time and talent to the love of his life: fine art painting.