| Neil Simone has been a professional
artist for over forty years. Born in London but inspired by Yorkshire, Neil now
lives in Nidderdale and is one of Yorkshires most renowned artists.
Entirely self-taught, Neil uses
complex techniques to create imaginative and thought-provoking paintings.
Inspired by the natural world and the changes that occur within it, Neil’s
paintings challenge perceptions and boundaries using light, shade and a play on
dimensions and perspective.
During a trip to Harrogate in the late
1960’s, Neil was inspired by the majestic scenery
of North Yorkshire. This proved to be a revelation and he decided to move from
London to Harrogate to become a full-time professional artist.
With no discernible influences, recognisable style or formal
training, his work took many twists and turns as he
experimented, searching to find his identify as an artist. He
began to paint a diverse range of subjects using a variety of techniques and
media, believing that the broader the subject matter and style, the wider the
appeal.
Though these paintings were proving
popular and were receiving admiration for their technical proficiency, Neil
felt his work lacked a powerful subject matter.
The birth of his first child was a huge
turning point for him, the sense of responsibility led to a time of deep
reflection for Neil. It was whilst
looking at one of his paintings propped against the studio wall that he began
to imagine the foreground of the painting spilling onto the floor. He emerged
from this introspection knowing he wanted to create paintings that had elements
of the impossible and that were capable of transporting people into an
alternative vision of reality.
Being inspired by these new ideas and
concepts, his distinctive use of oil paints allowed him to release
his visions; the subtlety and blending of glazes enabling him to create the
depth of colour and tone he had been searching for. With his artistic vision,
technical skills and understanding of art materials now aligned, he was able to
unleash ideas that had been forming for years.
That realisation has stayed with Neil,
helping and guiding him to create his iconic paintings. As his work developed,
Neil’s popularity and acclaim grew. His work began appearing in solo
exhibitions, more galleries and was featured on television and in newspaper
editorials.
Neil’s successes have continued, having
now sold thousands of prints and originals worldwide, he approaches his 50th
year as a professional artist and continues to be hugely successfully with a
dedicated following.
“I
paint the way that I do because I see the world as a dimension of shadows,
shapes, contradictions and ever-changing fragile boundaries.” Neil Simone
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