The fine quality of our country Christmas Cards starts with superb artwork. For this we thank our partners, the artists, all of whom are leaders in their particular fields. There are none finer in Britain today.
Elizabeth M Halstead has become widely recognised as a sporting artist par excellence with important commissions from many of the greatest estates in the land. Her dynamic studies of British game and fauna come from personal experience in the field and are highly prized as true representations, whether deer on the hill or pheasant in the woods.
http://www.elizabeth-halstead.com
Michael D Herring (1944 - 2010) was a master of nostalgia. His sudden death in August 2010 was a tragic blow, not only to family and friends but also to his many fans and patrons of country art. Herring's oil paintings often reminisced on times not so long ago when the current generation of countrymen and women were learning their craft. The finest details of machinery, tools, paraphernalia and habits of everyday life were recorded as a warm memory for those that were there and an enjoyable history lesson for those that were not. His original paintings will continue to be sought after for all time. His last Christmas card and jigsaw pictures are issued here as a fond tribute to a great countryside artist.
John Wood has the gift to create beautiful watercolours of typical working countryside scenes that seem so familiar. Based in Yorkshire, his paintings blend the beauty of northern winters with the warmth of everyday human activity. The Wood brothers, John and Kevin, have a gallery in Barnsley. Tel: 01226 249281.
Martin Ridley, an award winning wildlife artist in the Highlands of Scotland, is totally dedicated to the portrayal of British wildlife, birds, animals and fish in their natural habitat. Each of Ridley’s paintings is a major piece of work and current work in progress can often be seen on his website.
http://www.martinridley.com
Leon Olin is essentially a landscape painter working in oils and watercolour from his studio in Wales. His quest for the totally authentic detail of his subjects whether tractor, farm machinery or animals is recognised by dedicated collectors and his paintings are to be found in Royal collections as well as private and civic galleries.
http://www.abergwaun.com/gallery
Leslie Stones’ work is strongly influenced by the countryside in which he grew up, on various farms in North Yorkshire. Born in 1957, from an early age he was always sketching and painting the farm animals and rural landscape around him.
http://www.lesliestones.co.uk
Joseph Farquharson RA (1846-1935). This Edinburgh painter is most famous for his landscapes involving sheep in the snow. He was especially adept at capturing the light of sun-rises and twilight which he painted actually at the scene using a painting hut on wheels and a flock of imitation sheep. Few other painters of the genre have gained the prominence and acclaim of this master.
Wendy Stevenson (1950-2003). Wendy’s love of the countryside and a passion for walking through rural England are evident in the sensitive and knowledgable paintings she has given to the world. Her education in art at Mansfield and Leicester gave her the skills that led to many awards and a keen demand for her work in both UK and America.
John Chapman. Rural scenes will always play an important part in John’s work although his extensive experience in the industrial life of Northern England have led him to gain a wide reputation in urban and marine subjects too. Equally at home with oils or watercolours this artist has a tremendous track record of exhibitions and awards for his exceptionally nostalgic paintings.
Rosemary Sarah Welch SEA is without doubt the leading British painter of heavy horses. Her passion for these gentle giants is depicted in all her work. Nostalgia coupled with respect for the animals and the time they worked the land are keynotes on Rosemary’s paintings that are greatly sought after around the world.
Nigel Artingstall is principally a bird artist, professional since the age of eleven. Now, years later, he has achieved the status of selling his work at the Royal Academy of Art. He prefers working with gouache to give airbrush backgrounds with the subjects being painted with a fine sable brush to create an almost 3D image. Nigel’s highly details paintings are now in collections at home and abroad.
Edward Hersey is renowned for his style and attention to detail of the British countryside. With a strong international following, his application of mood and lighting has made him one of the most sought after traditional painters of his generation.
Nigel Hemming is a dedicated dog artist from rural Staffordshire whose distinctive style reveals the true character of his canine subjects. His work is in great demand, both as originals and prints.
Geoff Rollinson hails from Lancashire. An ex-gamekeeper, Rollinson favours acrylic and gouache for the fine detail of his work - the birds, mammals, flowers and landscapes of the countryside around his delightful village studio gallery.
Bernard Willington for many years studied painting and the history of art whilst conducting a career in engineering in Wales. He then came to professional status when his magnificent painting of St Andrews entered an international art collection. His subjects now vary from sporting events and personalities to countrylife which Willington paints from his studios in Wiltshire and America.
Graham Andrews is a natural artist form Shropshire and for over twenty five years since leaving Liverpool Poly, where he studied architecture, he has worked as a professional artist. Originals and prints of rural life, transport and heritage are available from his studios in Shrewsbury.