Kerry Darlington Portrait Collection
Devotion to Portraits
Tracing the lineage of Kerry Darlington’s enthralling portraits unveils a reverie to the renowned painters of the past and a committed vision to be a part of the story. Attracting admiration for her modern reflections on subjects and works made famous by the Pre-Raphaelites, in 2017 Darlington changed the pace of her work from full length compositions of huge scale to intimate portraits cast onto boards of raw wood. Debuted at Wyecliffe’s definitive annual exhibition with the artist, the event provided the stage for collectors to witness first-hand the jewel like transparency of layers woven from rich acrylic paint and matte resin glazing.
Allegorical in tone, Darlington harnesses her passion for nature, building upon centuries of meaning ranging from Celtish culture to Japanese symbology. Potent talisman of immortality, transformation and determination, each portrait takes on it's own unique form. Presenting a catalogue raisonne withing Darlington's 'portrait' collection, every title released wiring the series to date is assembled for the first time in our exclusive overview.
Joining Kerry Darlington’s legendary series of compact portraits, ‘A Paper Moon’ reflects the artists continued curiosity with transformation and the act of creation possessing the ability to change the perception of objects and places. Featuring glass-like 3D raised origami boats balanced above the painting towards the bottom of the composition which were first seen on ‘One Thousand Paper Cranes’, these beautiful embellishments cast gentle glittering shadows under light.
Part of Wyecliffe's 2021 virtual exhibition, 'The Otherworld'.
Radiating mystery, the extraordinary work Becoming Nobody develops Darlington’s fascination with elf-like muses and ancient folklore. With hints of the woodland, the artist has lavished time on the intricate features that form this heart shaped face; soft brushstrokes reveal her eyelashes and flowing hair. Ghosts of dandelions and bumblebees gently dance on the wind, whilst butterflies and ladybirds are etched into the skin across her decoupage, united in the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Part of Wyecliffe's first virtual exhibition, 'The Rose Garden'.
A portrait that could easily have come from another era, Astral Storylines transcends time. A compelling profile with eyes illuminated with the palest blue, the composition hints at the inner soul and alternate plains of existence. A striking palette of smoke grey and radiant auburn, stunning details emerge beneath her tresses; a castle familiar from fairy tales is sketched upon her dress. Dreamlike in quality, this remarkable painting is both thought-provoking as well as beautiful.
Part of Wyecliffe's first virtual exhibition, 'The Rose Garden'.
Months in creation in Kerry’s studio, each piece features dozens of transparent 3D paper cranes, sitting proud of the gloss resin beneath. A new twist on her pioneering concept of ‘unique edition’, Darlington continues to break boundaries in the creation of art editions. Uplifting in spirit, this stunning new title is inspired by the ancient Japanese practise of origami; legend promises that any soul that folds one thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish by the gods.
Darlington has composed the extraordinary 'Cosmic Angel' as the latest instalment to add to this exquisite portfolio of portraits. Ever developing her technique, this is the first time the artist has painted onto pure silver leaf, crafting delicate wings which surround her muse. Inhabiting an otherworldly plain, angels have long interested Kerry. Her modern interpretation sees this divine figure dressed in a cloth made from the night sky; a full moon sits nestled amongst the fabric. Drops of starlight can be seen in the angels locks of hair; a living incarnation of the cosmos, she embodies the traits of heavenly wonder and earthly nature in one astonishingly beautiful portrait. A small edition of just 75 pieces, Wyecliffe are delighted to announce that orders are now open to secure 'Cosmic Angel'.
Debuted at Wyecliffe's seminal exhibition 'By the Light of the Moon', 'Young Odette' has quickly established it's place as one of Darlington's most beloved works. Inspired by Swan Lake, the painting depicts all the elegance and grace of the ill fated love story performed in Tchaikovsky's classic ballet. An interpretation of the sorcery that fell upon Odette, she was doomed to spend her days in the form of a swan, bound to an enchanted lake filled with tears. In the nighttime she is is transformed back to her human form, a spell which could only be broken by the promise of true love. With a dress that appears to be made of the lake bed itself in a symphony of emerald greens, the auburn-haired Odette is embraced by the wings of her fate.
With an enduring love of nature, it is perhaps little surprise Kerry Darlington has dedicated 'Her Book of Ivy' to botanical themes. Wistfully gazing away, the rich copper locks of this beautiful young woman gently rest upon a costume made of entwined ivy leafs, accented in gold ink. An evergreen with a dichotomy of meaning, the term 'ivy' can be associated with the words 'poison' and 'creeping'; though here Kerry references it's steeped symbolism in the notions of eternity, fidelity and immortality.
At the heart of many compositions within the portrait series from Kerry Darlington is an elegant, timeless female – otherworldly in nature. In 'Wish Upon a Paper Butterfly' an origami butterfly is poised on her hand, ready to take flight and join the mass of coloured wings. Adorned with a crown of the creatures, she is dressed in their allegory – with associations of resilience and transformation, they are also evocative of the enduring circle of life.
'Paper Boat' features a windswept vision, with her brunette hair gracefully drifting in the breeze. Pinned lightly on one side with shell and pearls, this young woman is dressed in the oceans of the world. Highlighting the purity of her translucent skin, the warmth of the nude wood below is visually arresting. Gazing at an origami boat which is delicately cradled in both hands held above the swirling sea, miniature tall ships weave amongst the waves below.
An incredibly personal portrait from the series, 'Serenity' is a stand alone original painting inspired by the artist's daughter Elle. The painting references some of Kerry's very earliest dedicated floral works, in which peonies are delicately born from little white outlines. Contrasted with the developed blooms which are styled into a neat bodice, the composition is a pure celebration of a blossoming young woman, carefully navigating her way from child to adulthood and finding inner peace along the way.
An arresting original painting, Cocoon depicts the intensity of raw emotion, which is clearly seen in the eyes of Kerry's character. Upon creating this portrait, Kerry wanted to illustrate the power of basic facial features that would in turn, tell a particular story - Kerry brings a whole new meaning to 'a picture paints a thousand words' with this striking composition.
A painting that imposes autumn-esque colours to communicate the tone of her portrait, 'The Wind Remembers Her Voice' is a seasonal composition that constructively uses different tones of brown to generate nothing but warm feelings towards this wonderful piece. A character that we have been accustomed to seeing in Kerry Darlington's compositions, the symbol of attachment is portrayed as we see the beauty of the ginger-hair girl in more and more of Kerry's portraits.
An incredibly rare mixed media and oil composition, 'Anam Cara' by Kerry Darlington has communicated the very traits that entertains the values of connectivity and trust, as if a band of siblings have come together in soothing harmony. As a result, the tone is slightly different in terms of the vitality of the portrait, where instead of the intensity generated from her recipients facial features, a calming presence has been portrayed to rival the usually vigorous, Kerry Darlington portraits. It is a wonderful yet refreshing change of disposition.
The art of paper folding certainly exposes the beauty of 3D paper models which can be seen in the form of birds for Kerry Darlington's 'Origami' piece. But read further and the elements reminiscent of a paper model is laid bare within the very temperament of Kerry's character, which include beautiful technique, easy on the eye, but very fragile, like the slightest applied pressure can have it destroyed. The very monologue of this piece shows beauty combined with a brittle state of mind.
Taking inspiration from the ballet 'Swan Lake', this particular portrait tells the story of a princess turned swan from a sorcerer's curse. Unlike the tale of the original story, the character in this composition is rather embracing, comfortable and almost happy about the idea of such a transition. 'Swan Princess' depicts the contentedness of hard/life-changing decisions, a valuable moral that tells one to plough through the struggles and embrace the foreseen challenges that lie ahead.
Embracing Silence' is another autumn-like portrait that shows brown leaves engulfing Kerry's recurring, brown-head girl. The underlying difference between this portrait and some of Kerry's older seasonal compositions is the lighter tones of brown that almost transcends into a warm, ginger colour. The mood of Kerry's portrait is undoubtedly positive, a welcoming presence to the girl who embraces all.
A combination of different birds in 'Into the Pensieve' gives the portrait an abundance of character, from the humming bird in the top right to the immersing peacock as a part of the character's hair. The symbolism that upholds both vertebrates is one of confidence and protection from their feathers' iridescent eyes.
The successful combination of floral and fair-skinned colour creates a booming balance of the two tones together, Kerry Darlington has long been effective with her choice for colour, with many collector's citing her eye for fruitful pallets the rational behind her strong compositions - As if it was telling a story without dialogue. 'Not in the World' has had a different ideology with hints of exoticism as the direction for Kerry's newest portrait.
One of the more engaging pieces that has been painted by the storyteller, Kerry Darlington, 'Eternal Echoes' is one of those composition's that looks directly at you, quite literally. It's an approach that Kerry uses for her character's to generate a send of attachment to the entirety of her pieces, a symbol that she tries to keep consistent as her lust of love, bonding and engagement is laid bare within her portraits.
Joining Kerry Darlington’s legendary series of compact portraits, ‘A Paper Moon’ reflects the artists continued curiosity with transformation and the act of creation possessing the ability to change the perception of objects and places. Featuring glass-like 3D raised origami boats balanced above the painting towards the bottom of the composition which were first seen on ‘One Thousand Paper Cranes’, these beautiful embellishments cast gentle glittering shadows under light.
Part of Wyecliffe's 2021 virtual exhibition, 'The Otherworld'.
Radiating mystery, the extraordinary work Becoming Nobody develops Darlington’s fascination with elf-like muses and ancient folklore. With hints of the woodland, the artist has lavished time on the intricate features that form this heart shaped face; soft brushstrokes reveal her eyelashes and flowing hair. Ghosts of dandelions and bumblebees gently dance on the wind, whilst butterflies and ladybirds are etched into the skin across her decoupage, united in the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Part of Wyecliffe's first virtual exhibition, 'The Rose Garden'.
A portrait that could easily have come from another era, Astral Storylines transcends time. A compelling profile with eyes illuminated with the palest blue, the composition hints at the inner soul and alternate plains of existence. A striking palette of smoke grey and radiant auburn, stunning details emerge beneath her tresses; a castle familiar from fairy tales is sketched upon her dress. Dreamlike in quality, this remarkable painting is both thought-provoking as well as beautiful.
Part of Wyecliffe's first virtual exhibition, 'The Rose Garden'.
Months in creation in Kerry’s studio, each piece features dozens of transparent 3D paper cranes, sitting proud of the gloss resin beneath. A new twist on her pioneering concept of ‘unique edition’, Darlington continues to break boundaries in the creation of art editions. Uplifting in spirit, this stunning new title is inspired by the ancient Japanese practise of origami; legend promises that any soul that folds one thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish by the gods.
Darlington has composed the extraordinary 'Cosmic Angel'as the latest instalment to add to this exquisite portfolio of portraits. Ever developing her technique, this is the first time the artist has painted onto pure silver leaf, crafting delicate wings which surround her muse. Inhabiting an otherworldly plain, angels have long interested Kerry. Her modern interpretation sees this divine figure dressed in a cloth made from the night sky; a full moon sits nestled amongst the fabric. Drops of starlight can be seen in the angels locks of hair; a living incarnation of the cosmos, she embodies the traits of heavenly wonder and earthly nature in one astonishingly beautiful portrait.
A small edition of just 75 pieces, Wyecliffe are delighted to announce that orders are now open to secure 'Cosmic Angel'.
Debuted at Wyecliffe's seminal exhibition 'By the Light of the Moon', 'Young Odette' has quickly established it's place as one of Darlington's most beloved works. Inspired by Swan Lake, the painting depicts all the elegance and grace of the ill fated love story performed in Tchaikovsky's classic ballet. An interpretation of the sorcery that fell upon Odette, she was doomed to spend her days in the form of a swan, bound to an enchanted lake filled with tears. In the nighttime she is is transformed back to her human form, a spell which could only be broken by the promise of true love. With a dress that appears to be made of the lake bed itself in a symphony of emerald greens, the auburn-haired Odette is embraced by the wings of her fate.
With an enduring love of nature, it is perhaps little surprise Kerry Darlington has dedicated 'Her Book of Ivy' to botanical themes. Wistfully gazing away, the rich copper locks of this beautiful young woman gently rest upon a costume made of entwined ivy leafs, accented in gold ink. An evergreen with a dichotomy of meaning, the term 'ivy' can be associated with the words 'poison' and 'creeping'; though here Kerry references it's steeped symbolism in the notions of eternity, fidelity and immortality.
At the heart of many compositions within the portrait series from Kerry Darlington is an elegant, timeless female – otherworldly in nature. In 'Wish Upon a Paper Butterfly' an origami butterfly is poised on her hand, ready to take flight and join the mass of coloured wings. Adorned with a crown of the creatures, she is dressed in their allegory – with associations of resilience and transformation, they are also evocative of the enduring circle of life.
'Paper Boat' features a windswept vision, with her brunette hair gracefully drifting in the breeze. Pinned lightly on one side with shell and pearls, this young woman is dressed in the oceans of the world. Highlighting the purity of her translucent skin, the warmth of the nude wood below is visually arresting. Gazing at an origami boat which is delicately cradled in both hands held above the swirling sea, miniature tall ships weave amongst the waves below.
An incredibly personal portrait from the series, 'Serenity' is a stand alone original painting inspired by the artist's daughter Elle. The painting references some of Kerry's very earliest dedicated floral works, in which peonies are delicately born from little white outlines. Contrasted with the developed blooms which are styled into a neat bodice, the composition is a pure celebration of a blossoming young woman, carefully navigating her way from child to adulthood and finding inner peace along the way.
An arresting original painting, Cocoon depicts the intensity of raw emotion, which is clearly seen in the eyes of Kerry's character. Upon creating this portrait, Kerry wanted to illustrate the power of basic facial features that would in turn, tell a particular story - Kerry brings a whole new meaning to 'a picture paints a thousand words' with this striking composition.
A painting that imposes autumn-esque colours to communicate the tone of her portrait, 'The Wind Remembers Her Voice' is a seasonal composition that constructively uses different tones of brown to generate nothing but warm feelings towards this wonderful piece. A character that we have been accustomed to seeing in Kerry Darlington's compositions, the symbol of attachment is portrayed as we see the beauty of the ginger-hair girl in more and more of Kerry's portraits.
An incredibly rare mixed media and oil composition, 'Anam Cara' by Kerry Darlington has communicated the very traits that entertains the values of connectivity and trust, as if a band of siblings have come together in soothing harmony. As a result, the tone is slightly different in terms of the vitality of the portrait, where instead of the intensity generated from her recipients facial features, a calming presence has been portrayed to rival the usually vigorous, Kerry Darlington portraits. It is a wonderful yet refreshing change of disposition.
The art of paper folding certainly exposes the beauty of 3D paper models which can be seen in the form of birds for Kerry Darlington's 'Origami' piece. But read further and the elements reminiscent of a paper model is laid bare within the very temperament of Kerry's character, which include beautiful technique, easy on the eye, but very fragile, like the slightest applied pressure can have it destroyed. The very monologue of this piece shows beauty combined with a brittle state of mind.
Taking inspiration from the ballet 'Swan Lake', this particular portrait tells the story of a princess turned swan from a sorcerer's curse. Unlike the tale of the original story, the character in this composition is rather embracing, comfortable and almost happy about the idea of such a transition. 'Swan Princess' depicts the contentedness of hard/life-changing decisions, a valuable moral that tells one to plough through the struggles and embrace the foreseen challenges that lie ahead.
'Embracing Silence' is another autumn-like portrait that shows brown leaves engulfing Kerry's recurring, brown-head girl. The underlying difference between this portrait and some of Kerry's older seasonal compositions is the lighter tones of brown that almost transcends into a warm, ginger colour. The mood of Kerry's portrait is undoubtedly positive, a welcoming presence to the girl who embraces all.
A combination of different birds in 'Into the Pensieve' gives the portrait an abundance of character, from the humming bird in the top right to the immersing peacock as a part of the character's hair - The symbolism that upholds both vertebrates is one of confidence and protection from their feathers' iridescent eyes.
The successful combination of floral and fair-skinned colour creates a booming balance of the two tones together, Kerry Darlington has long been effective with her choice for colour, with many collector's citing her eye for fruitful pallets the rational behind her strong compositions - As if it was telling a story without dialogue. 'Not in the World' has had a different ideology with hints of exoticism as the direction for Kerry's newest portrait.
One of the more engaging pieces that has been painted by the storyteller, Kerry Darlington, 'Eternal Echoes' is one of those composition's that looks directly at you, quite literally. It's an approach that Kerry uses for her character's to create a sense of attachment to the entirety of her pieces, a symbol that she tries to keep consistent as her lust for love, bonding and engagement is laid bare within her portraits.
'Gentle Stillness' is an exclusive limited edition piece which has been uniquely formed upon board, with various textures created using acrylic gesso. The colour is built up with several transparent layers creating depth. A unique painting produced for one of Kerry's historical events, she has stood by her love for brown as a colour, with the different shades engraved within the different elements of her portrait.
'Gentle Stillness' is an exclusive limited edition piece which has been uniquely formed upon board, with various textures created using acrylic gesso. The colour is built up with several transparent layers creating depth. A unique painting produced for one of Kerry's historical events, she has stood by her love for brown as a colour, with the different shades engraved within the different elements of her portrait.
