Trailing Begonia Painting

Andrew Hird 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 find in sharing it.