Richard Bigwood - Artist Biography (Born 20th September 1971)

Richard James Bigwood is a multi - award winning artist who enjoys painting portraits, still life's and abstract pictures . He has been living in Wellington, New Zealand since March 2007. His preferred mediums are oils, acrylic on canvas and ink on water-colour paper.

Richard is a self taught artist who began drawing and painting in 1999. Until he immigrated to New Zealand in 2000 Richard successfully received and painted a number of commissioned portraits for clients in the UK. Following a back injury in 2008 Richard began to paint with renewed enthusiasm and energy. He regularly works on commissioned portraits in both oils, acrylic paint and ink.  Richard has also been commissioned to paint abstract pictures, still life's, landscapes and other pictures.

Richard's interest in visual arts was stimulated during the three years he studied for a science degree at the University of London. Living near London enabled him to regularly visit museums, galleries and art exhibitions. This growing fascination with painting was further stimulated over many years through visiting exhibitions and galleries in England and France.

After studying some of the great masters of painting Richard was inspired to attempt his own work. His influences include a range of artists including Turner, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Matisse and Picasso to name just a few. It is the subtle portrayal of light and tone in such artists' work that continues to fascinate him and is something he tries to bring to his own work. His favourite portrait artists include John Singer Sargeant,Charles Frederick Goldie and Jean Augiste Dominique Ingres.

Richard's abstract works pay homage to the American abstract expressionist movement of the 20th century.

After living in New Zealand for many years Richard has a profound appreciation for New Zealand artists. Some of Richard's favourite New Zealand artists are Rita Angus and Charles Goldie.