insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 23

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE:

ROBBIE GRAHAM

Robbie Graham has a fascinating and exciting life – not only does he
paint the most exquisite pictures, but he also travels widely thanks to his
passion for wildlife conservation (he has raised over £10,000 in support
of big cats). He uses these travels – and his love of nature – for inspiration
to create ultra-realistic, utterly compelling art.
How would you describe your art?

What is the most
difficult piece you’ve
ever undertaken?

I have always been a traditionalist when it comes to painting; I have found
much inspiration from looking at the work of the old masters. My artwork
is best described as photo realistic – I primarily paint wildlife and do so to
raise awareness of the nature around us. I always try to create a connection
between the viewer and the subject of the painting by ensuring that the
eyes are able to portray the fragility of the situation. I prefer to paint in
acrylics and gouache.

I was commissioned by
a very important client
to paint their pet
peacock. The client
wanted me to paint it
life sized – the painting
was over six foot wide!
I paint in close detail so
the painting took over
three months to
complete but I really
enjoyed painting all the
translucent colours and
actually noticed so much more about the uniqueness of this very beautiful
bird. I also found it a huge challenge when I was commissioned to paint
two cast iron baths for a very well-known company who were planning to
use the baths for an ad campaign in a national interior design magazine. I
had to paint the baths on forklifts in a bath showroom, which was very
interesting!

What is your background?
I had a career in the RAF and then joined Kent police. I thoroughly enjoyed
both careers and I guess my highlight was when, as a chief inspector, I was
seconded to The South Australia Police Force to manage policing operations
in Adelaide. I am a self-taught artist and actually only started painting around
fifteen years ago. I guess my art ‘career’ as such, really started when I was
approached by Daler Rowney, one of the world’s largest art materials
suppliers. They use my painting “Always Alert” as their header board for
their Designer Gouache paint range.
Of all your collections, do you have a favourite?
I have several favourites, but I guess “Serenity”, the portrait of a Sumatran
tiger, is the one I am proudest of. I feel that in this painting, I have really
managed to capture the beauty of these wonderful and sadly endangered,
very majestic creatures. I have always had a special place in my heart for
the big cats. I always begin my paintings with the eyes and in this painting
I believe that I have captured them very well. I wanted to capture a serene
look, not unlike a domestic cat; after all, they both have the same
characteristics, one is just bigger than the other!

What inspires you?
I guess I am inspired by all things nature. Beauty and light always play a
part in my daily life. I absolutely love going into the countryside with my
camera to obtain reference material. I also enjoy spending time photographing
wildlife and creating a painting. There are also a number of artists who
inspire me including Carl Brenders, whose style is very similar to my own.

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