I am delighted to be exhibiting with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters again this year in their annual open exhibition. It’s another year of record entries necessitating a robust selection process, which makes it all the more pleasing to be selected again this year. Here is one of my paintings that has made it into the exhibition: Darwin College, Cambridge, 24x30in, oil on canvas.
Darwin College, Cambridge, is a studio painting inspired by an en plein-air painting created the year before. I’ve painted this scene a few times over the years, and I’ve learnt that the morning sun creates a spectacular lighting effect against Darwin College Library. It’s good to get here early anyway, as there’s little room on the footpath, and the tourists increase as the day wears on. In fact, by lunchtime, it’s usually rammed with tourists and difficult to paint due to constant interruptions. Thankfully, in the studio I don’t have such pressures; instead, the pressure is in keeping your painting free and alive! And to not, under any circumstances, let myself fall into the comfort zone of copying the reference photographs.
Royal Institute of Oil Painters | Annual Exhibition 2024
The Mall Galleries, London.
Exhibition opens to public: Thursday, 28 November, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Exhibition closes: Saturday, 14 December, 5pm.
Founded in 1882, the ROI has been a cornerstone for promoting excellence in oil painting. The annual open exhibition, held at the Mall Galleries in London, provides a platform where non-members can exhibit alongside accomplished ROI members.
For any artist considering submitting work, I highly recommend it. The ROI’s annual exhibition is not only an excellent opportunity to showcase your art but also a chance to connect with a community of supportive, like-minded artists. Learn more about entering next year’s exhibition here.
