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We talk to the London artist producing expressive fashion portraits in technicolour
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robson stannard artist robson stannard artist

Artist in Residence: Robson Stannard

We talk to the London artist producing expressive fashion portraits in technicolour
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By: Kate Przybyla

Robson Stannard
Artist in Residence

Robson Stannard

We talk to the London artist producing expressive fashion portraits in technicolour

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By: Kate Przybyla

London-based artist and fashion native Robson Stannard has developed a unique style of portraiture through gestural mark-making. His vivid, illustrative aesthetic builds upon the human form with multi-tonal strokes of colour, in a way that is at once playful, yet always identifiable. Here, he talks finding his creative spark early, and the seminal influences that ignited his sense of expression.

How did you get into art?

It sounds like a cliché, but art has always been my life. It was my favourite subject growing up and something I excelled in.

I don't intentionally set out to convey anything in my work. I simply create work as a direct response to either an image I’m viewing or an emotion I’m having.

How would you describe your style in your own words?

In simple terms, gestural, abstract and colourful would be how I describe my work. I mainly focus on portraiture but have delved into abstracting flowers recently.

What do you hope to convey through your work?

I don't intentionally set out to convey anything in my work. I simply create work as a direct response to either an image I’m viewing or an emotion I’m having.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

While I was studying for my BA, I was shown a Francis Bacon documentary called ‘A Brush with Violence’. It completely changed the way I view art and as a direct response, my work became more gestural and abstract, focusing on the application of paint and layering.

Can you tell us about your materials and how you use them?

I use a variety of materials but always paint in acrylic paint. I like the physicality of the paint and the quickness for drying purposes. I them collage, use coloured pencils and china markers.

A Francis Bacon documentary called ‘A Brush with Violence’ completely changed the way I view art; my work became more gestural and abstract

Where do you begin when starting on a new piece?

I typically am working from an image – if it is a backstage image from a recent show or an image I’ve seen on Instagram. I have an entire folder of inspiration and poses I like to use.

Which artists or movements have been your biggest influence?

As mentioned before, Francis Bacon has had a huge influence on my work. I also love Matisse, David Hockney, and a tonne of smaller artists who I follow on Instagram.

What’s your earliest memory of the art world?

Probably visiting the Tate Modern or the Tate Britain as a child.

Where do you go to feel inspired?

I’m constantly scrolling through Instagram for inspiration and I have numerous folders saved of different images. A chair in an interior set up can inspire me for colour or another artist’s work.

I love to work under pressure, I feel it’s when I’m creating my best work as I know I have to get things done

Do you have any other creative outlets outside of your art?

I love interior design, but I feel that the two go hand in hand anyway.

How do you manage the pressures of creating art on demand?

I love to work under pressure, I feel it’s when I’m creating my best work as I know I have to get things done.

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