Cuming was born in London of English, Scottish and Irish ancestry. He received his art education at Sidcup School of Art (1945–49) and, after
National Service, at the
Royal College of Art. He was awarded the Abbey Minor Travelling Scholarship to visit
Italy. In 1957 his oil painting of Lewisham Road was included as one of the 'Young Artists of Promise' in
Jack Beddington's book. In 1969, he was elected an Associate of the
Royal Academy (ARA), and a Royal Academician (RA) in 1974. He was elected as a member of the
New English Art Club in 1960. As well as continuing to paint Italian scenes, including
Venice, he still devoted much time to the landscape of the Southern English coastline, including Hastings and Rye. His art has an
impressionist quality which captures "the fleeting impressions of his surroundings". He first encountered such landscapes as a child evacuee during
the Blitz. The powerful contrast to his home in
London created an enduring love for it. In a review for the BBC, Andrew Walker said: ==Awards==