St. Mark's Square,
Circa 2024
Adam Ralston
Painting : oil
28 x 35 x 0.5 cm 11 x 13.8 x 0.2 inch
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About the artwork
Type
Unique work
Signature
Hand-signed by artist
Authenticity
Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery
Invoice from the gallery
Dimensions cm • inch
28 x 35 x 0.5 cm 11 x 13.8 x 0.2 inch Height x Width x Depth
Support
Framing
Beige frame
Artwork dimensions including frame
39 x 47 x 3 cm 15.4 x 18.5 x 1.2 inch
Artwork sold in perfect condition, framed, ready to hang
Artwork location: United Kingdom
'St Mark's Square' is a remarkable oil painting that captures the immense scale and vibrant life of Venice's Piazza San Marco, the city's celebrated heart. This exceptional work is by Adam Ralston ROI MAFA, a multi-award-winning British artist distinguished by his unwavering dedication to the tradition of painting. As an elected full member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Ralston's primary artistic endeavour is to observe and faithfully render the dynamic, transient effects of light and atmosphere directly onto the canvas. Here, he transforms one of Europe's most familiar public spaces into a personal and energetic study of human activity against a backdrop of historic architectural magnificence.
The painting showcases Ralston's distinctive technique, characterised by expressive, loose brushstrokes and a thick application of paint (). This method imbues the surface with a palpable sense of movement and immediacy, reflecting the bustling energy of the square. He expertly manages the complex arrangement of figures, pigeons, and landmark buildings, blending the fleeting impressions of the crowd with the solid realism of St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Crucially, the artist's acute sensitivity to colour and tonal value is paramount, as he uses a nuanced palette to articulate the sun-drenched facade and the deep shadows that anchor the scene, successfully capturing the dazzling, low Venetian light.
Far from a conventional tourist view, 'St Mark's Square' is an atmospheric and honest study of metropolitan life, infused with the unique energy and often quirky charm that is a hallmark of Ralston's . His ability to capture both the architectural weight and the fleeting human element makes this a highly sought-after piece. For the discerning collector, this painting represents an exceptional acquisition from a leading Northern British artist whose work is consistently honoured and exhibited in prestigious UK galleries. It is a compelling, luminous work guaranteed to introduce sophisticated European charm and a sense of vivid place into any collection.
Collector’s Guide
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Presentation
Adam Ralston, ROI, is a leading contemporary oil painter and a central figure in the British plein air movement. Born in Lytham St Annes in 1970, and now based in Blackpool, his deep roots in the North of England are a central part of his artistic identity. A core member of the acclaimed 'Northern Boys' collective, his work is an evocative celebration of place, capturing the transient spirit of cityscapes and landscapes from London to the North of England, and beyond to Venice.
Ralston's artistic practice is rooted in direct observation, with a primary focus on painting from life, braving the elements to capture a scene in a single session. He is renowned for his dynamic, expressive brushwork, which combines the light and atmosphere of Impressionism with a modern realist sensibility, turning everyday scenes into something "almost cinematic". His still life compositions, in contrast, offer a more contemplative and slow-paced process.
Ralston's career demonstrates a clear and sustained trajectory of critical acclaim and professional recognition. His work is consistently featured in prestigious exhibitions at London's Mall Galleries with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) and the New English Art Club (NEAC). He has been honoured with numerous national awards, including first place at Pintar Rapido London in 2017 and the ROI Paintlive event in 2017, both of which are a testament to his exceptional skill in capturing a scene rapidly and accurately. His receipt of the 'Frank Herring Easel Award' in both 2016 and 2021, and the 'Menena Joy Schwabe Award' (2020) from the ROI, demonstrates his sustained excellence. His election to full membership of the ROI in 2022 is a key career milestone, confirming his status as one of the UK's most accomplished and respected oil painters, and a vital mark of provenance for collectors.
His paintings, whether a bustling street in Manchester or a rugged landscape in the Lake District, are at once deeply personal and universally resonant. They offer collectors a tangible connection to a timeless sense of place and atmosphere, making them a compelling and lasting acquisition.
Painters
British artists
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