Andrew Hird ARSMA
Artworks
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Statement
Andrew Hird ARSMA is a painter of traditional subjects in a realist style. Inspiration for his work often comes from places he knows and have significance to him. He is particularly drawn to subjects that include structure and light.
Andrew’s paintings develop from location studies and reference direct from the environment. He will often walk through a potential area many times looking for a moment or situation that catches his eye. Drawing is a fundamental part of his practice, and even a rapid pencil sketch will provide a wealth of information and imprints the character of a location in his mind. Given time, he will make more measured drawings or small painted studies of a subject. This allows a deeper connection and the opportunity to notice and record passing effects both natural and man-made.
In the studio this reference material comes together into finished paintings. He particularly enjoys the studio working process with time to contemplate and develop inspiration and information gathered in the environment. Draughtsmanship plays an important part here with an underlying measured drawing forming the structure of every painting. It is important to him that every piece captures the initial excitement in the subject, and hopefully transmits the pleasure he finds in sharing it.
Bio
Andrew has exhibited at the Mall Galleries, Chelsea Art Society, Patchings Festival, Broadway Arts Festival, Royal Society of Marine Artists, Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the ING Discerning Eye. He won the Royal Institute of Oil Painters “Paint Live” competition in 2015, The Artist Purchase Prize, Great Art Award and Peoples’ Choice Award at Patchings, the Monkton Arts Prize in 2021, the Frank Herring award at the ROI exhibition in 2022, and the Topbond Marine award at the RSMA in 2024. He was selected to compete as a featured artist in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of The Year 2019 at Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and his painting was chosen by the Royal Navy for their permanent collection at HMS Calliope. He was elected an associate member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 2024.