Art on a Postcard x War Child UK 2024 Part I

About

Born 1979. England. I am a full time, still life and portrait painter, specialising in miniature painting. I am based in Buxton, Derbyshire, UK. I focus on painting everyday objects that surround me, spending time observing and honing my skills to master depicting the beauty in day to day items. My work is characterised by my attention to detail. I am inspired by the old masters and I’m drawn to studying work where light, tone and value create the drama. Using a limited palette, of often just four colours, I mindfully contemplate the objects and depict what is there in front of me. I aim to draw the viewer into my work, so they too can spend a moment quietly observing an object that very often would be overlooked.

Education

I haven't studied art at university, I'm a self-taught artist. This has allowed me to follow my own path and not be deterred away from painting what inspires me. I have been painting for over 30 years now ,however will always consider myself to still be learning, which excites and drives me forward. I am currently working on a series that explores the impact humans are having on the UK butterfly population. Tying together my traditional still life work and trompe l'oeil pieces to highlight their decline

Select Exhibitions/Awards

Recent exhibitions include-Royal Academy Summer Exhibition-Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Prize - Royal Institute of Oil Painters - Royal Miniature Society - Royal Cambrian Academy - ING Discerning Eye - Miniature Society of Painters Washington DC - Small Group Exhibition Bedford Gallery California - Small Group Exhibition Tranquillity Gallery Holt - Small Group Exhibition Jarva Gallery

Awards - Royal Miniature Society Group Award, Presidents Award and Gold Bowl Honourable Mention - ING Discerning Eye Midlands Award and Wright Purchase Prize.

Gallery Representation

I am represented by three galleries - Adrian Hill Fine Art, Cotswold Contemporary Group and Jarva FineArt.

Statement about AOAP Submitted Artwork

Grapes is an acrylic painting, from life. I work on studies, such as this, to focus my mind observing and depicting exactly what is there in front of me. Due to the nature of the subject each piece is unique, they have their own markings, colours, different ways of interacting with light. I love the thought that this set of grapes, this exact set, has never been seen before, and will never be seen again, a moment captured in time.

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