James Macko studied painting through evening classes at the Schuyler School of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. His work has been exhibited at The Charleston City Gallery and selected through a juried competition for the Spoleto Festival. Deeply influenced by the world of thoroughbred racing, Macko has placed in the top 10 in two of the past four Preakness contests, reflecting his ongoing focus on equine subjects and lowcountry landscapes.

Macko currently resides in both Charleston, South Carolina, and Crisfield, Maryland, where he continues to paint today.