James Sum is known for his visually arresting landscapes that are influenced by the tradition of Chinese ink painting. In Red Horizon, the scene is infused with a wonderful sense of atmosphere, heightened with the play of romantic colours and light effects. The expansive view of the rugged cliffs and sea was captured with balance and order. James Sum received his art education from 1966 to 1968 at Sir John Cass School of Art, London. He continued his studies in Interior Design at Brixton School of Building, London (now known as London South Bank University). In 1995, James won the Outstanding Newcomer Award by the Royal Watercolour Society (RWS), London. It was the first award for an Asian artist since the society's founding in 1804. He was awarded a retrospective by the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery in 2017.