Kieran Stiles Art Studios Opens in Oxford City
The Oxford Times
By Rosannagh Scarlet Esson
St. Giles, the favoured haunt of writers Tolkien, Lewis and their 'Inklings', and a site of inspiration for residents and visitors alike, has just welcomed the arrival of one of Oxford's favourite contemporary artists as it's latest member in a long tradition of inspiring creatives.
After not one, but two packed-out, lively private views buzzing with art-lovers, collectors and creatives from Oxford and beyond, 2 Woodstock Road has opened its doors as Kieran Stiles Art Studios, an independent art school and studio from which the eponymous artist will paint and teach, offering workshops, artist talks and a glimpse into his working process as a professional artist. This move marks a return to Oxford City for Stiles who, for twelve years, hosted exhibitions and workshops from a studio on Folly Bridge, before moving his work to Woodstock.
To celebrate the launch of this new studio space, Stiles presents an exhibition of oils inspired by the landscapes of Provence, Wales, Devon and the Isles of Scilly. This body of new work is demonstrative of Stiles' expressive composition and explosive use of colour, and illustrates his devotion to painting 'en plein air'. This is motivated by his drive to explore the natural landscape - a process he sees as essential 'to truly observe and experience the irregularities and uniqueness of a place'. By employing his unique style of painterly expression, Stiles demonstrates how colour and form can be used to capture shifting light and turning tides to express a particular sense of place and time. This latest series of paintings follows on from his recent success with a string of solo shows at Browse and Darby, London, Brian Sinfield Gallery, Burford, and The Lemon Street Gallery, Truro.
Stiles will also use this launch to continue his career-long tradition of combining his own professional practice with a desire to share knowledge and skill through workshops and talks that develop different techniques and inspire observational skills. Stiles has taught groups and individuals since 2004, during which time he has developed a unique and inspirational programme that specializes in process and technique within the context of different themes and ideas in art. To coincide with the launch of his new studios, Stiles hosted From Drawing to Painting, a workshop exploring how 'the use of preparatory sketches can inform and characterize paintings', and The Thinking Hand, a free talk demonstrating 'the importance of drawing and art in education'. Events such as these should make their way into the diaries of members of Oxford's budding population of art students. 2 Woodstock Road provides the artist once again with a base in the city, which can only mean more opportunities for the creatively-inclined to try their hand at painting or drawing, or to build on an already established love of the medium. Stiles will continue to regularly teach at The Ashmolean, where his hugely popular classes take students on an exploration of the techniques and methods employed by the impressive array of artists featured in their blockbuster shows. He also hosts regular workshops in life drawing and painting at the historic Merton College, and at Asthall Manor near Burford. However, be warned - booking for any of the artist's workshops is essential. Stiles has a strong and loyal following that means these classes are often sold out way in advance.
Outside of the current exhibition opening hours, Kieran Stiles Art Studios is open regularly throughout the week for his workshops and talks, and by appointment. For those walking by, the studio will offer a literal window into the artist's world, treating passers by to the intriguing chaos of scattered paints, worked palettes and, if you're lucky, a glimpse of a masterpiece in the making.
Exhibition details:
Thursday 13th - Saturday 15th December 2018
Thursday 20th - Friday 21st December 2018
2.00pm - 5.00pm