Artist Richard King was born and raised in Birmingham and has established his name as a leading British landscape painter, renowned for his spectacular original compositions on glass. Wyecliffe Galleries is delighted to welcome a unique series of works inspired by visits to the most awe-inspiring scenery the globe has to offer. From trekking across the Slovenian Alps to stargazing on the Isle of Skye, King’s work transports the eye and the imagination with the possibility of adventure.

Having completed a Masters Degree in Fine Art from Wolverhampton University, Richard King also held a position as an art tutor for over two decades; the wealth of knowledge gained from mentoring rising stars has contributed to his innovative outlook. Originally working within the figurative and abstract genres, it was just 7 years ago that the artist began exploring landscape painting. Born from a desire to spend more time outdoors, it was through experiencing incredible scenery first-hand that he knew he had a story to tell though the painted medium.

Having found a passion for the great outdoors from an early age, this interest has culminated not only in an exceptional creative vision, but an interest in adventurous sports on land and sea. A professional coach and four-star white-water Canoe and Kayak leader, King was singled out for his wealth of experience and selected as an elite specialist to paddle the highest river in the world – the Zanska Gorge which lies in North India and the Himalayas.

As a committed mountaineer, his ambition to scale ever higher peaks has likewise seen King travel to the Alps visiting several different countries including Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France to experience their many challenges. Closer to home, the artist has sought the views from the highest summit in the British Isles, Ben Nevis as well as the beauty of Snowdonia in Wales.

At the heart of his ethos is to witness the changing seasons of his chosen landscape first-hand, capturing it with his camera as his own version of an artist’s sketchbook. Amongst the exertion and energy spent to complete his challenges, there are quiet moments of observation searching for the perfect view to transform into his mesmerising compositions.

King spent years experimenting with surfaces such as board, metal, plastic and glass searching for the best medium to render the translucency of colour he experienced to the depth of his painting. Harnessing light itself, King struck upon the concept of glass and a new genre was born. An extraordinary mind, uniquely the artist composes the piece backwards; painting the foreground first, he layers the background above and presents the finished work to the viewer with the smooth unpainted side facing outwards. Speaking of his technique, King reveals;