Stark Contemporary
British craft
Events & fairs
Custom framing
Yoga, pilates & tai chi classes
Contact & map
Site map

John Taylor

Original oil paintings

Click on any image to see a larger version
Email us to enquire about any painting

John Taylor was born in the north of England in Newton Heath near Manchester. His artistic education began at Rochdale College Of Art where he completed a one-year pre diploma course. He then went on to The Central School Of Art And Design in London where he trained for three years as a theatre and film designer. He attended the London Institute Of Education for one year to complete his studies. His first painting show in London was in 1987 at 'The Other Dulwich Picture Gallery'. His work at that time was largely based on his rich experiences in the theatre. He produced large watercolours that were flamboyant and colourful celebrating all aspects of the performing arts including circus and pantomime. Further exhibitions quickly followed. His one-man show at 'South Of The Border' in London was a great success and still remains his biggest one-man show to date. He exhibited fifty-six individual works. Many shows followed including an exhibition at London's Half Moon Theatre, The Tall house and The Royal National Theatre. A visit to the Tate Gallery in St. Ives in 1999 in the south of England was a turning point for John and his work began to change. He was captivated and impressed by the work of Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and the artists who had formed the new post war British school of painting. His new style emerged in 2000 and he was soon exhibiting his fresh approach to traditional themes. He uses oil paint on board and canvas. Some smaller works combine watercolour washes with oil paint as an overlay. His paintings are an expression of quiet and calm. The interiors he paints are within a range of colour harmonies and his work explores the relationship between confined space and the freedom of the outside. John lives and works in south east London.