City on Blue Print

Inspired by the landscape and the people of Wales – meet Saatchi artist Christopher Langley From the crashing of the sea on rocks in Pembrokeshire to the intricate architectural detail of his townscapes, artist Chris Langley finds huge inspiration in his Welsh surroundings. Raised in Pontypridd, Chris is a self-taught artist whose work has been shown in New York, London, and several Welsh exhibitions. A committee member of the South Wales Art Society and an artist in residence at the Celtic Manor Resort, he now lives in Cardiff, he is influenced by David Hockney, Glaswegian landscape artist Gillian McDonald, and Welsh artist Corrie Chiswell. Chris produces original paintings and signed prints of Welsh landscapes and townscapes including landmarks such as Pen y Fan and the Scott Memorial in Roath Park Cardiff. A frequent visitor to London in his capacity a Trustee of a national pension plan, Chris lends his eye to the skyline of the City, as in 'London - Past Present.' He brings a fresh interpretation: “There have been many paintings of London, for example, but none have used the colour combination I bring to the subject in my work” he says. “My Pen y Fan Sunset sky is a deep red, a striking image. “In the painting Lakeside, the Scott Memorial has an Impressionist quality. “I find great inspiration in many things about Wales. The people and the towns of Wales inspire me in the same way the landscape inspires.” Subjects of his works also include Newport’s Transporter Bridge, seascapes of Pembrokeshire, Newport’s Wetlands, and views of the Valleys. His work also includes the enigmatic red umbrella series – paintings such as Walk Along The Shore which have a mysterious quality, each featuring a red umbrella. A multi media expert, Chris’ work uses oils, acrylics, and digital techniques and he is regularly offered commissions from companies and private individuals. “I work in several different styles to ensure my clients receive artworks they love,” he says. A recent exhibition at Insole Court, Llandaff, of his artworks of Cardiff’s pubs, past and present, proved a huge success.