Shallow forest pond impressionist painting on wood, 2018

Gav Banns  

For the past two decades I have engaged in extensive sketching and drawing as a personal endeavour, reading and studying prolifically from the masters of old. Submersing oneself into art silences the constant chatter of the mind, it allows you to enter a state of flow and being without any of the trappings or disturbances of modernity. 

I have always painted for an audience of one, surrounding myself with my own works for my own pleasure for many years, never really having a desire to put myself out there. Exhibitions, competitions, awards have never been my thing. 

I am slowly running out of space, and so every now and then I am putting up a painting in the hope that others might share in a very human interpretation of the beauty found in natural world, of which we are very much a part of.

Having lived in central Paris, I moved to a mystical place, that is not quite in keeping with the modern pace of life. Many of the houses have at least 200 years of history behind them, the nature can be wild and unspoiled, filled with local legend and folklore. 

Much of my inspiration comes from these landscapes, or from my travels. If I'm not painting outdoors, then my home studio is a conversion in an ancient barn where I can also paint under a beautiful wooden beamed roof.

Professional/Teaching Experience:

I have offered free tuition and art advice online for more than 15 years, trying to help others in their endeavours.

Artistic Influences:

Childe Hassam, Claude Monet, Degas, Caillebotte, Luigi Loir, Manet, John Singer Sargent, Edouard Manet.

Tags:

oil painting, impressionism, france, impressionist, plein air, landscape