Martin Bush

Colour has always been my language. Over the years my work has shifted into a more instinctive, flowing rhythm — shaped by travel, by life, and by the moments that stay with you. Time spent in Thailand didn’t define my work, but it opened something in me: a sense of warmth, movement and saturated colour that still finds its way into my paintings today.

I paint in layers, letting colour dance, collide and settle until the canvas feels alive. My titles are chosen for the feelings they spark — small invitations rather than explanations, a way of opening a mood or a thought without telling the viewer what to see.

I studied Art & Design, completing my BA (Hons) in 1986, and that early training still informs how I think about balance, form and the structure beneath the surface. After more than two decades of painting professionally, my work continues to evolve, exploring energy, emotion and the freedom of letting colour lead.

BA (Hons) in Art and design 1986

2024
Founder & Curator, Canvas Gallery, Plymouth

2022
Exhibitions across Plymouth (various venues)

2018
20 Years as an Artist — Solo Exhibition, Royal William Yard, Plymouth

2017
Solo Exhibition — Artizan Gallery, Torquay
Exhibition — The Hidden Olive, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth

2016
Oxford International Art Fair
Plymouth Art Weekender

2015
Positive Path — Solo Exhibition, Plymouth

2014
Plymouth County Council Art House Exhibition

2013
Autumn Exhibition — Royal William Yard, Plymouth
Tatton Park Flower Show
Hampton Court Flower Show, London

2012
Wild and Free — Solo Exhibition, Royal William Yard, Plymouth
Fringe Exhibition — British Art Show 7, Plymouth

2011
Solo Exhibition — Murray VW Showrooms, Plymouth
Spring/Summer Exhibition — Royal William Yard, Plymouth

2010
Kaya Gallery, Totnes
61 Walcott Street Gallery, Bath

2008
Summer Exhibition — Royal William Yard, Plymouth
Jazz Series — Bistro One, Plymouth
Kaya Gallery, Barbican, Plymouth

2007
Spring Exhibition — Royal William Yard, Plymouth
Ickenox Exhibition — Dray Walk, Brick Lane, London

2006
Plymouth Art Fair — Royal William Yard
Steps Gallery — Christmas Steps, Bristol

2005
h.Art Hereford Art Week — Ross-on-Wye

2004
White Space ...