2018

A Career in Illustration and Comics

John Armstrong was a British comics artist who achieved significant recognition through his work in popular publications such as Misty and Tammy. He is particularly noted for drawing the long-running strip Bella, a character that was uniquely able to secure her own book at IPC. His diverse portfolio also included drawing the comic version of the children’s school drama Grange Hill for the magazine BEEB, as well as contributing to Bunty and various annuals for DC Thomson.

His professional journey began after receiving art lessons while serving in the Army in the Far East, where he drew portraits of local people. Following his service, he studied at Constantine College in Middlesbrough, earning National Diplomas in Design in both painting and illustration. After working in a Newcastle advertising agency and various London studios, he transitioned into the world of girls' comics, eventually focusing on color work and horse stories.

Artistic Evolution and Technique

Throughout his career, Armstrong demonstrated a remarkable ability to master various forms of visual storytelling. His work ranged from the detailed, thousands of gymnastic poses required for Misty to the color work performed for DC Thomson. In his later years, he focused on reviving his oil painting skills, primarily through the creation of portraits of skating friends, and provided artwork for ice rink pantomimes.

Vraag en antwoord

Kan ik de werken van John Armstrong bekijken per kunststroming?

De pagina Alle stromingen groepeert de kunstwerken van John Armstrong op kunststroming.

Kan ik een virtueel museum bezoeken met de werken van John Armstrong?

Een virtueel bezoek is mogelijk: op de 3D-galerie pagina van John Armstrong worden de werken van de kunstenaar gepresenteerd in een driedimensionale galerie.

Kan ik de werken van John Armstrong bekijken per medium?

De pagina Alle technieken groepeert de kunstwerken van John Armstrong op techniek.

Waar kan ik de kunstwerken van John Armstrong bekijken, gesorteerd op sfeer?

De werken van John Armstrong kunnen per stemming worden bekeken op de Sfeercollectie pagina van de kunstenaar, waar de kunstwerken zijn gerangschikt op basis van hun vastgelegde stemmingen.

Test je oog

Er is slechts één goed antwoord op elke vraag.

Vraag 1:
Where did John Armstrong receive his first proper art lessons while serving in the Army?
Vraag 2:
Which character's strip was the only one to get its own book at IPC?
Vraag 3:
What did Armstrong draw on the blackboard to amuse children during his teaching practice?
Vraag 4:
Which magazine featured the horror story content that Armstrong worked on?
Vraag 5:
In recent years, what has Armstrong been mainly doing with his oil painting skills?