Jacques Bouyssou was born near Honfleur in 1926, and as a child became acquainted with several local artists who were family friends, including Raoul Dufy and Othon Friesz, who nurtured and inspired his interest in painting. He initially studied architecture at the École des Beaux Arts de Troyes, but decided to move to Paris to concentrate on painting, studying at the Academie de la Grand Chaumière under Othon Friesz.

In 1955 Jacques Bouyssou, had his first one man exhibition in London, and soon after the renowned Parisian art dealer Katia Granoff invited him to exhibit at her Gallery, beginning a long collaboration, during which she organised many one man shows on his behalf.

In 1973 Jacques Bouyssou was appointed the official artist to the French Navy, (Peintre de la Marine), and has examples of his work in the Musée de la Marine in Paris. He also exhibited extensively at major Paris Salons, as well as internationally in the United States, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan Brazil, and Venezuela.

As one prominent art critic said of him: "He knows how to capture the passing light, how to create an atmosphere." His compositions are supported by a sensitive use of colour to create an atmosphere of light and harmony.

In addition to many prizes awarded for his paintings throughout his lifetime, he was made a Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur in 1990. Examples of his work can be found in the Musée de Art Moderne, Paris, Musée de la Marine, Paris, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, New York Public Library, and museums in Honfleur, Rouen, and Montreal.