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A  r  t  i  s  t

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Sheffield Artist Andrew Roy Thackeray


Welcome to my site thank you for taking the time I hope you enjoy looking.
I start off each painting attempting to capture the feel of a place incorporating specific colours to best reflect the atmosphere as I perceive it.I leave all my work open to interpretation by the viewer in the hope that it evokes memories and feelings that I believe only original art can.I was recently told at an exhibition that 'Marrakesh Midnight' took them back to the market place reminding them of the sights,sounds and even smells of the exotic spices cooked on open fires.This is by far the best compliment to an artist. 
I sometimes include social commentary or story-lines (having recently been described as the "Yorkshire Hopper",the greatest compliment to date) but even so encourage the viewer to make their own interpretations.Please feel free to post on the blog.
Born in the industrial city of Sheffield in the UK I first showed an interest in art at an early age,during the summer holidays still at junior school,bored,with little to do on a northern council estate I happened upon a TV program "Painting with Nancy",(Nancy Kominsky an oil knife painter).I was hooked instantly emptying my moneybox I bought a selection of oils and a board.I took the Seascape into school on my return,it was sent to the Mapin Art Gallery (completely oblivious to the prestigious reputation of the gallery) who displayed it for some months.
I then followed what I thought was an inevitable path into heavy engineering.Fast forward thirty plus years a visit to the SheffieId Millennium Gallery kick started the painting again.

Art is both Pugilism and Evolution

Whilst attempting to capture the feel of a place i.e. with my home town it's the steel production legacy, the vibrant nightlife,the diverse population constantly changing due to it's two quality Universities (many people have stayed on after graduation) any stories running through the work are subjects that have caught my attention they may be social, political or just something currently in the media,they may be blunt and obvious other times more subtle with underlying (I have a wicked often juvenile  sense of humor ). During the process there is always a point in every painting which seems like a wall but eventually it evolves into somewhere where I want to be.The trick is knowing when to stop this I always find is the hardest. I have spent weeks on some of the Sheffield artwork and months on "The Heat of the Night".I have been told on many occasions I should get out more maybe the're right.
Since first showing my work five years ago I have had many commissions and exhibitions in local institutions and galleries.


Here's a piece about me  written in 2011 that I think is close to the mark.

"Andrew Roy Thackeray, artist from Sheffield, fluctuates between a hybrid of symmetrical technical drawing and classical impressionism in a simplistic loose style. 
In each work he displays a keen desire to ‘tell a story’ through small expressions of character relevant to each individual location, within landscapes, incorporating an illusion of detail. What appear to be pleasant visual interpretations often contain amusing but sometimes disturbing sensitive subjects that quite clearly offend him."


My work is a blend of the finest acrylics and Indian inks on canvas, for details on commissions and prints contact me on
 arthackeray@hotmail.co.uk.
Sheffield Artist