insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 24

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
ROBBIE GRAHAM cont.

I have travelled to a number of countries to study
and really get to know some of the subjects of
my paintings. My last trip took me to Borneo
where I spent time trekking through the forest to
photograph the very varied wildlife there, in
particular the orang-utans. I enjoyed getting to
understand the characteristics of these wonderful
primates who actually share 97% of our DNA.
These highly intelligent creatures are increasingly
endang ered by the Palm Oil industry which, due
to deforestation, is steadily removing key areas
of their natural habitat. I enjoyed painting “Last
of the Few”, a baby orang-utan.
What has been your proudest artistic
achievement to date?
I was very proud to be accepted by an art society
called Artists for Conservation, a select group of
only 500 artists from 27 countries. The society
is based in Vancouver and I am privileged to have
my work displayed alongside some of the best
artists in the world, and I feel honoured to have
my work displayed in collections across the globe.
Over the years, I have met many wonderful

international clients and it is always nice to have
my artwork recognised. For example, this year,
my painting of two magpies called “Two for Joy”
will be displayed in June at The Mall Galleries in
London as a finalist for the David Shepherd Wildlife
Artist of the Year. The same painting is also being
used by The National Exhibition of Wildlife Art to
market this year’s exhibition and can be seen as
a poster nationwide.
Do you ever get stuck for ideas?
I find that as an artist you will always have times
when you get a little stuck for ideas. When that
happens with me, I generally spend time looking
at my thousands of reference photographs. I also
find that visiting the many wonderful art galleries
across the county can also provide much
inspiration.
Can you tell us more about your fundraising?
I get immense satisfaction from donating pieces
of my work to a number of charities throughout
the UK and abroad, and at the same time, helping

24

to raise awareness. To date I have helped to raise
over £10,000 for charities. My most recent
donation of two paintings earlier this month, went
to a charity who works very hard to raise
awareness of human trafficking.
What does the future hold?
I have recently diversified in some of my subject
matter by painting two ballerinas after visiting the
Marlowe Theatre to watch the fantastic ballet
‘Swan Lake’. I was inspired by the beauty and
grace of the prima ballerina and the lighting. I just
had to paint them! Whether I will continue to paint
figurative subjects, I am not quite sure, but one
thing is certain, I will always paint the many
wonderful species of wildlife that we share our
world with and I will always do my utmost,
however small, to help raise awareness.
Find out more about Robbie and see his work
at www.robbiegrahamart.co.uk