About the artist

Paul Noel Stewart tells himself that he took up painting in order to avoid too much socialising as a young man, but true or false he had the example and encouragement of his family and friends to feel able to hold his first exhibition in 1969, when 27. He had two more shows in Salisbury during the 70s, and was able to continue painting throughout his business career, mostly commissions for interiors and country houses. He has also illustrated two books. More recently he has been able to dedicate the time he wanted to painting, and to hold another solo exhibition at The Tabernacle Gallery, Notting Hill, in 2013, which raised £30,000 for charity. This current 2022 exhibition, postponed from 2020, at Deanhill Barn, his home near Salisbury, features his latest work.

Paul’s need to paint really stems from his deep love of the local countryside and of the North, where he was born, and the use of colour to describe it. Primarily a landscape painter, he also enjoys painting the built environment, interiors, conversation pieces, the garden, wild flowers and sometimes livestock and pets. Fortunate in being able to enjoy the country in all weathers and seasons, he tries to express its beauty in like manner. He works in gouache and occasionally watercolour, usually applied with a hog brush, on paper.

Although having a lifelong interest in Modern British and particularly Scottish painters, Paul is unaware of any direct influence from their work. His only certain influence is that of nature, mostly at and around his home here on Deanhill, and occasionally elsewhere, such as Scotland and Yorkshire.

This exhibition has only been possible thanks to the support of so many people, both in creation of the work, and physically mounting the event itself. Paul would like to thank those who have so kindly loaned pictures: Artcetera for generously mounting the pictures, Chris Grace and Enpress for the catalogue, Guy Harris for all his time and advice, and Jeanine & Joe Stewart for theirs, in helping me with the website, and to Norman Court Estate for mowing a car park for the exhibition on its land.

The exhibition is in aid of charity: net proceeds will be shared between NGOs working in Ukraine, and Jewish and Israeli organisations supporting justice in Palestine. Both are close to Paul’s heart. Please buy generously!