My first exhibition, held at Three Storeys in Nailsworth, which ran from 1st to 6th October 2024, was well attended and fulfilling, with lots of positive feedback. See ‘Exhibition - Oct’24’ for more details.
Richard is a scientist turned artist based in the vibrant Cotswold town of Nailsworth
“I love diversity in life and art.
I experiment with different media and techniques, and seek out stunning locations, on our coasts and commons, and in any place where the light is doing something interesting.
I love the creative interplay between simplicity and complexity, between precision and ambiguity. A painting should be a conversation between the artist and an emerging art work. I enjoy these conversations. I see no barriers between my artistic self and my scientific sensibilities: it’s all about being curious about nature, asking questions, respecting past masters while exploring the future, and seeking many forms of truth.
Whether it be delicate watercolours, large expressive acrylics, or classical oil paintings, I love them all.
I’m planning an exhibition in the Autumn in Nailsworth, so watch this space.
This website is a new venture for me. Paintings will be available to buy in due course.”
Richard W Erskine
From Richard's sketchbooks
Five Themes
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![Camber Sands]()
Coast
Whether it is larger oils or intimate watercolours, such as this one of Camber Sands, I love to explore the conversation between sky and sea, beween clouds and waves.
This visit to Camber Sands was a pilgrimage to the places where the great Fred Cuming sought inspiration, and I now know why.
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![Snow on Toots Long Barrow, Selsley Common]()
Commons
The Cotswolds has great views from its many Commons, each with their particular personality. This painting is an acrylic of a snow covered slopes below Toots Long Barrow on Selsley Common.
This is one of the places where my wife and Tilly, our Welsh Collie, love to walk, and where I will pause to do a sketch or take a photo for reference.
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![A fish on a plate]()
Still Life
Something has to really catch my eye to inspire me to do a still life. It was the shimmering colours of this fish on a plate that did just that. I used numerous layers of coloured pencil sketching to create an emergent silvery effect and delicacy of light.
Curtis Holder, who was 2020 winner of the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year competition, is an inspiration in the use of drawing with colours in this way, to build up an image.
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Pen & Wash
People love the informality of my pen & wash pieces, such as this one of the fish counter at William’s in Nailsworth. I prefer the energy that comes with doing these as fast as possible, to capture the mood of a place.
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![Trusted Knowledge]()
Writings
This painting is inspired by a quote from Rachel Carson (The Sea Around Us, 1950):
The sediments are a sort of epic poem of the Earth. When we are wise enough, perhaps we can read in them all of past history.
She was proven right. I created this piece for my book Trusted Knowledge in a digital and fragmented world of work as a metaphor for the deeply embedded knowledge that exists within learning organisations.
Measurements
Unless otherwise specified, measurements are for the width and height (w x h), in centimetres, of the artwork itself (excluding frame).
Frame measurements can be provided on request, and will be added to the website in due course.
Interested in my art?
Whether it is because you wish to buy one of my paintings, commission a piece, or are wishing to explore potential collaborations, please use the contact form below.
I’m interested in the intersection between art, climate, science and social justice (which will be an element in some of my future practice, but is not yet featured on this website).