Featured Artist Paul Ward

Artist Paul Ward blends romantic wanderings, fierce passions, and vibrant hues to marvel at life’s wonders. Visit his website to view more of his work.

 

 

Five years ago I decided, for reasons that were overwhelmingly romantic, to move from Manchester to Lyon, France. This move also gave me the unmissable opportunity to take on art full time. I had previously painted and drawn during snatches of free time, whilst I ran my screen printing business in England.

 

 

At times a turbulent choice of career, I can’t help but smile at that thought that young me, doodling away in exercise books at school would be impressed. After all aren’t well just trying to be the adults that we dreamt of being when we were kids?

 

 

My art is a collection of fascinations and passions expressed in oils, acrylic, pencil, ink and photo montage. On the fascination side of things, that could be my pursuit of meaning in my frequent wanderings of cemeteries. Paintings and illustrations have come into being thanks to the wealth of inspiration I find in between the cracked headstones and ornate tombs.

 

 

It could equally be my studies of birds in all their glory. I try to capture the spark of life in these feathery creatures. Passionate is the best word to use when discussing my work that involves shining a spotlight on certain subjects related to current events. This may be illustrated tarot cards that critique the global arms market and the worrying rise of intolerance in the world. Or large scale paintings that defend our right to protest without the use of state sponsored violence.

 

 

I feel that most of my work is from two sides of the same coin. One marvels in the world’s wonders and the other fiercely defends them.

 

 

Visually, colour is an aspect that you may have already realised plays a crucial role in my paintings and illustrations. I often use complementary colours that play off each other, each reinforcing the presence of the other with the result that the whole artwork becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

 

 

Colour is also a tool when approaching darker subjects, such as death, as it shrugs off the cliched use of somber tones. This allows for a more full exploration of the subject. I have found that far from being shadowy and bleak places, cemeteries are frequently the most lively areas in a city. The trees grow tall, the growth of flowers is unobstructed and all manner of animals profit from the peaceful surroundings.

 

 

Aside from my self directed work, I also undertake commissions. These commissions vary from vibrant landscapes to beautiful oil portraits of family members and beloved pets. That’s me! To discover more, please peruse the colourful depths of my work.

 

Paul Ward invites you to follow on Instagram.

 

 

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