Stephen Rea Art Prints and Posters
Stephen Anthony Rea born in Blackley, Manchester in 1962.
1978- Attended Bolton College of A&D, studying, Art History, Fine Art,
Photography and Interior Design.
My first works were exact reproductions inspired by The Impressionists, Turner, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, De Vinci, Vermeer and Tom Keating.
I sold my first commissioned piece in 1980- “Quiet Evening” by Spolaar. A 2ft by 3ft oil on canvas using the exact technique of the original artist.
In 1983 I moved to Angelsea in Wales where I was invited to join the D.A.I. Studios, a working gallery in Caernarfon. The gallery owner David Williams believed that I had the potential to become an accomplished watercolour artist, and encouraged me in his experiments within this field. The gallery comprised of illustrators, artists, potters and sculptors.
In 1986 I returned to Manchester where I continued to sell commissioned work, mainly for overseas clients in Europe, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia and The U.A.E.
It was during this period that I began to develop new techniques, inspired by “penumbra”, the continuing battle between light and dark.
These techniques include; a four colour technique with oil on canvas producing areas of darkness where the viewer can see hidden images within the main subject. A reverse painting technique with acrylic on gesso using bright vibrant colours with soft edges, allowing the viewer to visually complete the piece, and a tactile technique which breaks away from the normal confines of viewing art and allow pieces to be touched . This unique aspect allows the viewer not only to see form, but to feel it.
From 6th June to 1st July 1998, I was invited to hold an exhibition at Manchester’s Blyth Gallery. The tactile technique, which also involved light sculpture to emphasise the Penumbra, was demonstrated when a representative from Henshaw’s Society for the Blind felt the tactile pieces, and was moved to tears when she was able to describe the images on the paintings.
It was at this exhibition that I was approached by an Aide from the Oman Embassy in London, and was commissioned to undertake two watercolour portraits of His Majesty The Sultan of Oman.
In 2002 I moved to Spain with My children. I continued my private commissioned work while producing paintings and interior designs for local restaurants. I also spent time travelling around the Costa Blanca, painting seascapes and country scenes.
On returni
