Portrait Paintings – A Solo Exhibition

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This year sees the return of Holmfirth Artweek in full force, with the largest of open art exhibitions due to open at the Civic Hall in the town on Sunday 3rd July. Along with the Fringe, which is made up of 40 different exhibitions across the Holme Valley.

In 2021, I held a solo exhibition at the wonderful Holmleigh Manor. Nestled in the heart of the Holme Valley this Georgian Mansion boast stunning views of our glorious countryside and probably the best guest rooms in the area.

This year I return with a collection that explores my love of painting people and animals.

There are three reception rooms in this stylish manor, the perfect backdrop for my work. In fact the history of this manor which is over 200 years old, coupled with Andy and Steve’s exquisite taste, have both definitely influenced my work.

The Birdy Birds in the Lounge

I am a figurative painter and over the past 3 years, I have painted everything from fish to parrots and many, many rabbits. I have painted many animals in clothes, over 50 in fact. I have thoroughly immersed myself in these paintings. They have proven popular with the sale of many originals and limited edition giclee prints.

While painting these quirky animals, I’ve also been continuing to paint many portraits.

With these Birdy Bird paintings, I wanted to combine the portrait paintings with the bird studies I had produced in the past. The bird elements take the form of some elaborate headgear.

The colours have been chosen specifically to be fitting for contemporary environments. The changes of skin tone add further drama to the images.

 

Animals in Clothes in the Library

It would only be fitting to fill a room with some of the animals in clothes from 2022. You will meet a fine and dandy collection of animals in clothes, including Sir Archibald Badgerington, John Wand the Highland Bull, and the Bridgerton inspired Daphne Rabbit.

 

Portraits in the Parlour

I’ve always been inspired by the Pre Raphaelite movement. The group of artist believed in classical poses and an abundance of detail and intense colours.

I neither offer abundance in detail or the in-depth rhetoric with my paintings, but what I have tried to achieve with these portraits, is a development in my portraiture technique and it a bit more consideration to the narrative. My aim was to create a series of paintings with with elements to signpost the story.

 

Get in touch

Enquire about a commissioned portrait, a custom painting or ask about one of the paintings in the ‘To Buy’ section of the website.

07779 271219 | info@maddiepaints.co.uk