James Cowie was a Scottish painter and teacher known for his portrayals of figures and landscapes in a detailed and precise style. Born on July 16, 1886, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Cowie showed an early talent for drawing and painting. He studied at the Glasgow School of Art from 1905 to 1911 and later at the Royal Scottish Academy Schools.
His work, which often included elements of symbolism and a focus on the human figure, was influenced by the Renaissance masters, as well as by his contemporaries in the Scottish art scene. During World War I, Cowie served in the Army Pay Corps, and his experiences during the war impacted his artistic outlook.
After the war, he returned to teaching, a profession he had embarked upon before the war, and in 1919 he was appointed as the headmaster of the Painting and Drawing Department at Bellshill Academy. In 1932, Cowie took a position at the Glasgow School of Art, where he influenced a generation of Scottish artists, including the famed 'Two Roberts': Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun.
Cowie's artistic output was not prolific due to his teaching commitments and his meticulous approach to his work. Nonetheless, his paintings and drawings were well regarded and exhibited in his lifetime. His subjects often include still lifes, portraits, and landscapes, characterized by a sense of stillness and a meticulous attention to detail.
Cowie's later years saw him continue to paint and exhibit his work. He remained an influential figure in Scottish art until his death on June 18, 1956. His legacy is preserved in the collections of many Scottish institutions, including the National Galleries of Scotland and the Glasgow Museums.
