Biography

Elizabeth Armstrong

I  graduated from Goldsmiths Art College with a degree in painting, textiles and embroidery. Following a desire to travel and explore other countries, I lived in Spain for ten years. During this time, I worked as a portrait artist on the Costa Brava, where I acquired a fine reputation for pastel and pencil sketches. Travelling also gave me the opportunity to study and embrace the many different cultures and surroundings which are apparent in her work today.

As a working artist I constantly keep in touch with my role models, Beckmann, Caravaggio, El Greco, Van Gough, John Skeaping, Jackson Pollock and Tracy Emin.

My love of horses in all their facets has resulted in exhibitions at Lauderdale House in Highgate commencing in 2004. In 2005 I was commissioned to design the front cover of a high quality brochure for the Newmarket Shadwell Stud. Through 2006 I was invited to the Dubai World Cup to show my work, which was an amazing experience.

From 2007 my work has been exhibited at Ascot Racecourse on a number of occasions. I have also shown work at a number of Polo venues including Guards at Cowdrey Park, Cartier at Windsor Great Park and Tidworth.

More recently, I have worked on a number of interesting projects. The Walters family, owners of Ffos Las, the UKs newest racecourse purchased a larger collection of my work to compliment the unique design and decoration of this wonderful new venue. After the first race meeting I was commissioned to produce a painting to capture this historic event which was a fantastic and unique opportunity. I have also completed a number of pieces for the new grandstand at Fontwell Park in West Sussex, the showpiece being a large canvas depicting the figure of eight track and some of the historic horses and people past and present associated with this unique venue.

Newbury Racecourse is a keen supporter of my art and I display work there on a regular basis throughout the year. In 2010 at the Greatwood Charity Day I donated a painting “The Great Contenders” which depicted Kauto Star and Denman. It was considered the “Star Attraction” and raised £13,000.00, the largest sum they have ever achieved from a single lot.

During 2011 I have continued to take commission work from owners, trainers and jockeys alike. I am very proud of a recent commission received from Annabel Waley-Cohen for her husband Sam which shows him riding his way to glory on “Long Run” in an amazing finish to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“I do hope that my work will make a lasting impression on those who view it and will stimulate the hearts of horse lovers and art collectors everywhere.” – Liz Armstrong