The Gallery - Ross Moore, Holmfirth

We showcase the quirky work of artist Ross Moore who has a studio just outside Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Great British Life: Artist Ross Moore Artist Ross Moore (Image: Archant)

I knew I wanted to paint from the age of seven and this early delight in art resulted in an education at Moseley School of Art in Birmingham from the age of 11. It was a remarkable, state-run school which sadly no longer exists. From there I went to Bretton Hall, Wakefield and Yorkshire is now home.

I have variously run a theatre company, taught special needs and learned West African drumming in Ghana and Senegal but I have always painted. Four years ago I decided that I wanted to devote all of my time to painting. I have a studio in Jim Robison’s gallery in Booth House, just shy of Holmfirth.

I work with inks and dyes on paper which work better for the feelings and sensations that the subject provokes. I try to find a balance between what I see and what I paint. The initial idea or image may be a landscape view but once the first mark is made, it becomes a balance between retaining truth to the subject and pushing the painted image to new ground. My subjects range from Yorkshire landscapes to those from Europe and Africa, places I have been to and enjoyed. I also paint still life, animals, trees and figures.

This year my work is showing in several Yorkshire galleries and then on to France over the summer. I have an exciting project for Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge in the autumn. The gallery is showing my paintings of the town. I also have pieces at Dunphy’s Gallery (Burton on Trent), Willow Tree (Holmfirth), Northern Galleries (Kendal and Huddersfield) and Smart Gallery (Batley). Pieces are also in private collections in the US, Europe and Australia. n

Great British Life: River Holme, Holmfirth A view of the river as it courses through Holmfirth River Holme, Holmfirth A view of the river as it courses through Holmfirth (Image: Archant)