ABOUT RUPERT
Qualifications
B.A. (Hons) Fine Art (2.1), Aberystwyth University (graduated 1997)
Artist Statement
I live and work from my studio in rural mid-Devon. I grew up in an artistic household – my father is a marine artist and the arts were part of everyday life and were encouraged. I won an Art Scholarship at the age of 16 to Blundell’s School in Tiverton, and went on to study painting and art history at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
My greatest interest as a painter lies in the human figure and portraiture. For me, painting a portrait is about producing something lasting and beautiful, which will provide enjoyment and interest for many years.
I paint exclusively in oil paint – I find it to be a versatile medium and its longevity is appealing. I aim not only to capture a good likeness of the subject, but also to provide an insight into each individual’s personality and character.
Wherever possible, I prefer to work from life in a series of informal sittings. Photography is used in the early stages as an aid to composition and can be useful if the sitter has limited time. It is important for me that the sitter feels comfortable and relaxed and that the experience is an enjoyable and memorable one.
COMMISSIONS
P.O.A
EXHIBITIONS
The Full Picture – Oxford in Portraits, The Weston Library, Oxford | 2017 |
The Threadneedle Prize, Mall Galleries | 2016 |
The Lynn Painter-Stainer Prize, Mall Galleries | 2006,14,15 |
The Artist & Illustrators Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries | 2015 |
ROI Annual Show, Mall Galleries | 2014 |
The Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries | 2013 |
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mall Galleries | 2006 to 11& 18/20 |
SWAc Academicians Annual show, Exeter | 2013 to 18 |
SWAc Spring Show, Thelma Hulbert, Honiton | 2016 & 18 |
South West Academy Open Exhibition, Exeter | 2002 to 07&11to 19 |
Royal West of England Academy, 155 Annual Show, Bristol | 2007 |
The Artshed Gallery Soul Survivor Festival, Somerset | 2007 |
The Brownston Gallery, Modbury, Devon | 2016 to present |
Marine House/Steam Gallery, Beer, Devon | 2007 to 15 |
Lantic Gallery, Tiverton, Devon | 2014 to present |
AWARDS
Oxford University – Examination School collection | |
2nd Prize – Artist and Illustrators Annual Exhibition | 2015 |
Elected Academician of the South West Academy of Art (SWAc) | 2013 |
Commended – South West Academy Exhibition | 2011 |
Winner Of The Marine House Gallery Prize, South West Academy | 2006 |
Winner of The David Messum Prize, South West Academy | 2002 |
NOTABLE SITTERS
Professor Dame Carole Jordan, Oxford University
Stafford Henry Northcote, The 4th Earl of Iddesleigh
Mark Semmence, former Headmaster of Mount Kelly College, Tavistock