Artist of the month -Graham Twyford
Outside, Out There, Coniston - Graham Twyford - Credit: Archant
Commission Graham Twyford and you could find yourself featured in his painting. Barbara Waite reports
If the style seems familiar, that’s no surprise - Graham Twyford’s work is reproduced worldwide on ceramics made by Wedgwood, Coalport and Royal Worcester as well as on jigsaws and greetings cards.
A best friend of Hairy Biker, Dave Myers, since schooldays – they both studied fine art at Goldsmith’s College – Graham grew up and still lives in Barrow-in-Furness.
This painting ‘Outside, Out There features Coniston and is the latest in a series of oil paintings exploring towns and villages in and around the Lake District.
‘Light and atmosphere are the primary theme of these works and, through the painting process, certain characteristics for each place and its people are revealed,’ said Graham. ‘We stayed in Coniston for fell walking and the concept for this painting was realised. Coniston seems particularly busy with hardy outdoor types.
‘It has the feel of a real mountain village with the fells towering and visible from all corners, no more so than on the bridge over Church Beck. The outward subject then must be the setting and the people, but the underlying themes are a return to comfort after a long day in the open with thoughts turning to further adventures.’
The painting is done in the studio with confident, fluid handling and most of the figures are observed individuals from the location, with family and friends occasionally drafted in. Here, Graham’s son, Sam, and his friend, Craig, are seen on the far left after a day on Dow Crag. Those commissioning pieces can request their inclusion somewhere in the swelling scene.
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Graham, vice-president of the Lakes Artists’ Society, has exhibited at the Royal Academy and sells originals and prints at outlets including Beckstones Gallery at Greystoke and the Cookhouse Cedar galleries throughout the Lakes. Prices for originals vary from £1,000 up to £3,000; reproductions are available from about £50. See more at www.grahamtwyford.com
See more on his website www.grahamtwyford.com or contact him on 01229 837630
