An extraordinary O of Britain’s most stunning natural and historic landmarks by artist Francis Salvesen. Sneaking through the school art room window aged eight, Francis Salvesen drew and painted all the time. His passion for art continued during his career in the army, where he spent his free time painting wild scenery.

An entirely self-taught artist, Francis has developed his work alongside diverse careers across many different continents. Encouraged and inspired by his artist godfather, Francis developed his artistic talent painting portraits of family members for fun and as gifts.

Francis’s love for nature shows in this collection of 50 oil paintings of some of the UK’s most beautiful and historic sites. His vivid and evocative colour schemes virtually guide visitors around the UK through the effects of light, colour and atmosphere.

From the white cliffs of Dover, John O’Groats and the Giant’s Causeway to water cascades in the Brecon Beacons, Brighton Pavilion and Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands, Francis’s paintings reveal monumental views across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, capturing the transient effects of light and immersive layers of detail. These are passionate tributes to the diversity and beauty of the British landscape and he hopes his works will highlight the environmental importance of these unique sites.

Historic monuments such as Brighton Pavilion or Eilean Donan Castle showcase the remarkable history and architecture of the British Isles. Based on studies, photos and, sometimes, repeated paintings of the same location at different times of day in different seasons, these sites are brought to life through Francis’s vivid and poignant treatment of colour.

Part of the long tradition of British landscape painting, Francis’s meticulous and passionate works explore the unique majesty of places he has come to love, while also raising important questions about how these sites can be preserved and maintained in the face of development and environmental threats.

Francis says:

“I hope that my paintings will allow me to guide you around the country, on my voyage of discovery. Certainly, I found the scenes deeply inspiring. I took photographs as the cloud formations, seasons, lights and colours impacted on my conscious and subconscious, and detailed my thoughts in the poetry that accompanies each painting. I hope my exhibition will inspire others to be passionate about the natural wonders of the British landscape.”

Great British Landscapes. La Galleria. Unit 30, Royal Opera Arcade, 5b Pall Mall, London SW1Y 4UY.
Exhibition opening hours are 8am-11pm Monday to Friday and 9-6pm on Saturday 16th November. Free Entry.

www.brilliantbrushstrokes.co.uk