James Armstrong
Artist & Horse Racing Clerk of the Course
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A Bit About Me
“From the racecourse to the countryside, drawing life as I see it”
I was born in Northumberland and have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. From a very early age I’ve been fascinated by capturing the world around me, whether that’s animals, people, buildings, or landscapes. For me, art has always been about careful observation and understanding the character of a subject, not just how it looks.
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After studying at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, I returned to the North East to follow a career in the horseracing industry. I qualified as Clerk of the Course at Newcastle Racecourse, and I now spend much of my time overseeing racing at Kelso, Cartmel and Hexham. Being around thoroughbred horses on a regular basis has given me a deep appreciation of their movement, strength, and individuality, which naturally feeds into my artwork.
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When I’m not working on the racecourse, I’m usually drawing or painting. I work from life whenever possible and use photography to support that, allowing me to build up accurate, detailed, and expressive pieces. My subjects range from racehorses and family pets to wildlife, houses, and landscapes, but the aim is always the same: to capture the personality and spirit of what I’m drawing.
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I also take on commissions and really enjoy creating bespoke pieces for people, whether it’s a much-loved animal, a favourite horse, favourite selection of fishing flies or a place that means something special to them. I see each commission as a collaboration, and I put a lot of care into making sure the final piece feels personal and meaningful.
Whenever I can, I escape into the countryside where we as a family have relocated on the north coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland with my binoculars and camera. I particularly like to go to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Those quieter places, away from the rush of everyday life, are where I find a lot of my inspiration and where I can truly take time to observe.
This website brings together a selection of my work, giving you an insight into what I do and the subjects that inspire me most.
A Life in Art & Observation
Early Years
Career & Craft
Today
Born and raised in Northumberland, I developed a passion for drawing and painting from an early age, inspired by animals, countryside, and everyday life around me.
After studying at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, I returned to the North East to build a career in the horseracing industry, qualifying as Clerk of the Course at Newcastle while continuing to develop my artwork.
Now balancing my work at Kelso, Cartmel and Hexham Racecourses with my art practice, I create and take commissions for subjects ranging from racehorses and pets to wildlife, homes, and landscapes, always guided by careful observation.
"One for the
memory books"
One of the most memorable moments of my career was having the honour of meeting Her Majesty Queen Camilla and presenting her with my artwork.
To have my work seen and appreciated at that level was a truly humbling experience and a proud milestone in my journey as an artist. It was a reminder that careful observation, dedication to craft, and a lifelong love of drawing can take you to places you never imagined.
