Welsh landscape painter Archives

Contemporary Welsh landscape artist Osian Gwent is a full-time professional artist based in mid-Wales. His expressive Welsh landscape paintings are sold around the world. Osian works from his studio and gallery in Llanidloes.

A welcoming Welsh landscape artist in his studio

To begin with, he draws his inspiration from the surrounding landscape and completes his work back in the studio. Visitors are always made welcome to see a living Welsh landscape painter at work.

Little bit of a different post this morning! Infact, our first post that ventures out of Shropshire.
Recently I had the chance to visit a contemporary Welsh landscape artist @artbyosian in Llanidloes, Mid Wales. Osian inspired me greatly in a way that I was not expecting! He is warm, welcoming and obviously extremely talented! He grew up on a council estate in South Wales, throughout the 60’s and 70s. His work is inspired greatly by his surroundings and experiences. Osian then lived abroad for a while as he matured, finally settling back home, in Llanidloes fairly recently. Stepping into someone’s art studio is such a difficult feeling to describe-it’s like you’re trespassing into someone’s thought process and it’s such a unique yet beautiful feeling. A very interesting and eye opening day filled with the most beautiful artwork and some very touching stories. There is something so special about local art and artists”
instagram.com/thelittleshropshirelass

A living Welsh landscape painter

Initially, Osian’s big ideas begin in his sketchbook whilst he is out on location. Next, he transfers the basic structure into the composition of the painting. Often, this is is nothing more than a few simple lines. Furthermore, he often paints several paintings at the same time. In this case, this enables him to keep his paintings fresh and alive with spontaneous energy.

landscape paintings in process — I start several paintings at the same time

Each painting begins with a grisaille underpainting. In other words, an underpainting of grey tones. This is to establish the darkest darks and the lightest lights. This all helps to add depth to the painting in the later stages. Sometimes, Osian decides to leave them as they are.

Increasing the saturation

Next, Osian begins to block in areas of muted colour. After, he introduces a subtle range of earth colours such as burnt umber and yellow ochre, as shown below. During this stage, a transparent glaze is created by adding liquin medium to the paint. At the same time, the focus is to gradually add more and more saturation with each additional layer. Over time, the painting develops a three-dimensional appearance. Meanwhile, Osian allows room for the painting to breathe. As a result, he lets the painting decide what direction it needs to go.

blocking in earth tones — Blocking in earth tones

150 Welsh Landscape paintings framed and ready for sale in the gallery

Because Osian works with such energy new ideas often present themselves during the painting process. He will explore what comes up in a body of work until another idea presents itself. Therefore, Osian’s work continues to evolve from one body of work to another. He prefers to evolve rather than have a particular style which confines him.

contemporary welsh landscape diptych painting — Blorenge mountain diptych

Contemporary Welsh landscape artist diptych painting — Blorenge mountain diptych

Finally, if you want to learn more about contemporary Welsh landscape artist Osian Gwent why not follow @artbyosian on Instagram.

Welsh landscape art

Landscape art is my favourite genre. As a contemporary landscape painter and landscape artist, I get to express what it personally means to me through painting. The Welsh landscape is a part of who I am. It inevitably shows up as a sense of atmosphere and movement in my painting, because I am so familiar with its elements.

There’s something monumnetally special about being out in the landscape alone. I feel overwhelmed by beauty of creation.
Osian Gwent

I have a special affinity with the Welsh landscape, especially the Black Mountains. Fortunately, I am blessed to know them well. They represent home to me, even though I now live in mid-Wales. It’s true to say that I have a deep connection with this part of the world. The Welsh landscape continues to inspire my painting to this day. Particularly on extremely stormy days!

Finding the essence of contemporary landscape painting

I have always enjoyed landscape painting. I look at landscapes very differently these days. This approach is reflecting more and more in my drawing and painting. Basically, I want to represent the essence of what the landscape is saying to me. And quite often in a contemporary landscape painting, its the simplicity of the underlying shape and form that gives it a unique structure.

I enjoy landscape painting. I look at contemporary landscape paintings by other contemporary landscape artists and I feel inspired. Firstly, it was about the details. Now, I tend to look at and observe the landscape differently. it’s more personal now. Attempting to make the unseen, seen. This approach seems to be reflecting more and more in my drawing and painting.

I was trained to do detail but it doesn’t do it for me anymore. Instead, I’d rather capture simplicity. Here, I look at structure and form and break it down into simple shapes. What draws my attention is the mood and atmosphere. Thus, by working quickly, I transfer energy and movement into my painting. For me, as a landscape painter, my subject is never static.

It begins with a simple sketch

I take my sketchbook everywhere. Every contemporary landscape painter needs to. I draw a few simple lines to capture the basic structure. After that, I simply look and observe. Then I take mental notes. For instance, I study movement or changes in colour. Then back in the studio, I allow the painting to dictate to me a remembered reality.

Now, let’s talk about the contemporary landscape painting below. My eyes were drawn towards the distant hills. I chose to represent them as a block of colour and a simple outline. Next, I painted them in a grey/purple oil colour as this helped to make them recede into the landscape painting. The day was windy and therefore I wanted to capture that movement.

In addition, my recent landscape paintings featured in a solo contemporary landscape exhibition in the Welsh Assembly Cardiff.

Welsh Artist Osian Gwent — Solo exhibition at The Senedd (Welsh Assembly) Cardiff. Pictured with Assembly Member Russell George.

modern contemporary expressive art — Solo exhibition at The Senedd (Welsh Assembly) Cardiff. Pictured with Assembly Member Russell George.

Contemporary landscape paintings for sale

So, do come to visit me in my art gallery in mid-Wales. My studio and gallery is open six days a week from Mon-Sat and features my latest work. Private viewings are welcome. Send me an email via my contact me page. Drop by and see me at work. Likewise, everyone is welcome to come for a chat and I am happy to share my techniques.

Finally, my gallery and Instagram account feature additional contemporary landscape paintings.

Osian Gwent Welsh contemporary landscape artist.

Contemporary Welsh Landscape Artist