
Born in Glasgow, Wells studied at the Slade before moving to Sydney, Australia where he lived and worked for five years. He returned to Europe, working for a time in Paris and rural France where he acquired an admiration for the Barbizon School with its rich tones and glowing colours. After a short stay in Glasgow he settled in Preston, Lancashire, for seven years as a scene painter. He finally settled in Appledore, Devon where he died.