Here’s a miniature painting I did recently as a present for someone. Pyracantha berries in acrylic on cardboard in a homemade little cardboard float frame. I picked the berries myself, and lit them as a still life. In order to get the composition perfect I framed them using my phone so I knew exactly where the lines and negative spaces would fit in the rectangle. I’ve no plans to go any smaller, though, as doing this piece made my eyes itch!
Jackson's Open Painting Prize 2019
I’m happy to share that I've been included in the long list for the Jackson's Open Painting Prize 2019. In addition to that, if you have 5 mins, you can vote for my TWO paintings in their People's Choice Award. (You do have to register, though).
Here are the links to 'People' and ‘Market’ in the "Scenes From Everyday Life" category. Thank you!
People
Market
Time-lapse clips of recent paintings
Market
Time-lapse footage showing the creation of 'Market'. Painted in 2018 on a wooden panel, measuring 40cm x 40cm, in acrylics. The painting shows a view of Surrey Street Market, in Croydon, Surrey, on the edge of south London.
People
Time-lapse footage showing the creation of ‘People’. Also painted in 2018 on a wooden panel, measuring 40.1cm x 40.8cm, in acrylics. The painting shows a view of Surrey Street Market, in Croydon, Surrey, on the edge of south London (but with fewer vegetables than the other work).
Bad Behaviour Open 2016 Exhibition
Croydon-inspired paintings feature in a new group art show in Brixton.
Bad Behaviour Open 2016
A quartet of my south London-inspired paintings is being exhibited as part of the "Bad Behaviour Open 2016". http://badbehaviour.london/exhibit…/bad-behaviour-open-2016/. The show runs from 14th-19th October at Brixton East 1871 http://www.brixtoneast1871.co.uk/venue-info. The private view was a very lively (and busy affair) and hopefully the crowds will continue whilst the exhibition is up. There is a broad range of disciplines and the space is a lovely restored Victorian building. Worth a visit (but then I would say that, wouldn't I?)
Solo Art Exhibition at The Brook, Wallington, South London
Compact solo exhibition of Croydon-inspired art and illustration by Matt Bannister at The Brook, Wallington.
Art exhibition at The Brook
I currently have a small solo exhibition at The Brook, in Wallington, Surrey. The display contains brand new and familiar art and illustrations of mine, all responding to the sights, characters and architecture of Croydon.
I have created two new acrylic paintings specifically for the exhibition, each featuring a different view of Croydon sprinkled with a few local characters. The people in all the works are inspired by the shoppers, children and commuters I've seen in the town.
Here's the bio blurb that I wrote to go alongside the paintings, drawings and prints:
"Matt Bannister is a Wallington-based illustrator and artist: obsessed with the quirks and shapes of architecture, people, and everyday objects. He creates bold, hand-drawn work full of detail and character. Be they city skylines, streets full of pedestrians or an illustration about the threat of cyber crime, his images are loose and graphic in style. Recent commissions include illustrations for innovation charity Nesta, two large bus sculptures for the TFL bus trails in London, covers for The Croydon Citizen, and branding illustrations for Universal Music. Prints and other products featuring his designs are sold through various outlets, including his own online store. “I take as much inspiration from a trip on a stuffy bus, as I do from a windy walk along the river. From Victorian brickwork and noisy markets to silent museums and sticky poundshops - all will have something that will catch my eye and give me an idea or three.”
There are pieces inspired by Croydon to be seen (and purchased). In addition to the framed originals and giclée prints on sale in the café, limited edition digital prints of some of the work are available to buy here.
The Brook is located at 84 Manor Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 0AD and is a great little place to relax with a coffee/cocktail/acoustic guitar/vegan meal. The exhibition will be up until the end of October 2016. Extra info about the exhibition can be found on my Twitter and Instagram feeds.