My paintings are essentially about place and trying to capture the atmosphere peculiar to particular buildings, scenes or locations. I like to depict follies, obelisks, ornamental parks and beach architecture; any of those structures that seem at odds with their surroundings. Although I think people in landscapes important it is the buildings or places that are dominant and are the main focus of interest.

I have always been drawn to coastal locations for my subjects to paint and I am sure this is due to both the atmosphere and the great number of unusual and often quirky buildings and locations to be found there. This distinctive coastal charm has developed because for many people the seaside is seen as a place of recreation and pleasure as opposed to that of work and industry.

I admire and have been influenced by a number of artists – Christopher Wood, Edward Bawden and John Piper. But if I had to choose one artist whose work has been a constant source of pleasure and whose ideas and choice of subject matter appeals to me most it would be Paul Nash.

My artistic education began when I started a Diploma in Art and Design course at Maidstone Art College. I successfully gained entry to the Royal Academy Schools where I went on to study painting for a further three years and gained my Postgraduate Certificate of the Royal Academy Schools.

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Daybreak, Dungeness by Ronald Hellen

Oil painting