Rob Wilson
The landscape always comes first.
I was always
making things.
Before I knew what an artist was, I spent hours drawing, building, painting and making things with whatever I could find.
Growing up in countryside, I was always outdoors exploring, noticing interesting trees and collecting ideas to return home with something new to draw.
Looking back, the materials have changed and the paintings have grown, but the curious creativity behind them is much the same.
Learning to
see differently.
Studying Graphic Design and Illustration expanded the way I looked at the world.
At the University of Bradford I became fascinated with the city's industrial heritage and textile traditions which still echo through my work today.
Vintage dress patterns, stitching, collage and layers of paint gradually became part of my own visual language. What began as experimentation slowly evolved into the mixed-media techniques that continue to shape my creative processes.
When everything
came together.
Over time my paintings developed a distinct style of their own.
After university I continued drawing, painting and experimenting. A study of crowds leaving Buxton Opera House received a commendation at the Derbyshire Open, and became a real turning point.
For the first time, all the techniques I'd been exploring fell into place.
As exhibitions and commissions followed, my cityscapes and landscapes began finding homes across with Northwest and further afield.
Painting places
that matter.
Some commissions begin with a landmark. Others begin with a memory.
Alongside private commissions, I’ve been fortunate to create work for organisations including Westminster Abbey, The National Trust, Transport for London, Manchester United FC and became the official artist for The Ashes Series at Old Trafford Cricket Club.
Each project brings its own history, atmosphere and sense of place. Before painting begins, I spend time gathering references and understanding what makes the subject meaningful.
Whether it is a nationally recognised building or a view special to one family, the aim is always the same - to create something personal, distinctive and lasting.
Discover commissions →
Back where every
painting begins.
The landscape still comes first.
Today I work from my studio on the edge of the Peak District, surrounded by the hills, reservoirs and changing skies that continue to shape my work.
As important as the landscape where I live still is, inspiration is now found in many places, from Paris to Venice and Canada to China.
Back in the studio, those observations become layers of drawing, collage, texture and paint before the finished work eventually finds its place on the wall.
Along the Way
Graduated in Graphic Design & Illustration
University of Bradford
Derbyshire Open Commendation
Best Artist Award, Buxton Festival Fringe
Official Artist for The Ashes Series
Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Artwork exhibited for
Transport for London's Year of the Bus
Winner
Buxton Spa Art Prize
Commissioned by
Westminster Abbey
Presented artwork to
HRH Princess Anne
Took part in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year – Wildcard Artist
Commissioned by the
National Trust
Winner
Art Battle Manchester
If you're in the
Peak District...
...I'd love to welcome you to RWA Gallery.
Whether you're looking for an original painting, searching for inspiration, or simply exploring the area, I'd love to welcome you to RWA Gallery.
The gallery has become a place to discover not only my own work, but a carefully chosen collection of paintings, prints and mixed-media pieces by independent artists from across the UK.
