Throughout Edwards early school years he knew that art was the primary focus on his studies and could not wait until he was old enough to study this full. This came about in the year 1967 where Edwards to start his further education at Medway College of Art in Kent. The artist then went onto study in Walthamstow and itching to become a professional artist, he cut his studies early and left before
Throughout Edwards early school years he knew that art was the primary focus on his studies and could not wait until he was old enough to study this full. This came about in the year 1967 where Edwards to start his further education at Medway College of Art in Kent.
The artist then went onto study in Walthamstow and itching to become a professional artist, he cut his studies early and left before he could start a degree. Supporting himself meant that finding a job was essential for Edwards and his first artistic job led him to teaching drawing at a local adults education centre. This opportunity came about for Edwards by meeting up with the head of department at his former Medway College and his former head was now newly retired and suggested he take this opportunity. The next few years was to see Edward teach in this role whilst fully engrossing his passion into his own works and successfully exhibited his paintings throughout local galleries.
Come 1974 Edwards drawing classes was taking up much of his occupied time and that he needed to think about the kind of artist he wanted to be. His Wife, (who he had met at the first day of Medway College), decided to take the bold leap and move away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Travelling now to the Highlands and relocating to a remote shepherd cottage, the two spent the next twenty eight years living there and starting their family.
Exhibiting frequently in Scottish Galleries, Edwards still had to continue a summer job as a gillie and financially struggled pursuing this job over the next thirty years in order to support his family.
Come 1979 Edwards made the bold decision to travel to London and show his portfolio to David Larkin of Picador books, seeing that book covers were now changing and taking on a more artistic approach. Turning up unannounced and successfully seizing the opportunity to speak to Larkin resulted in Edwards being commissioned for two book covers 'Imaginary Life', David Malouf and 'Wild Nights', Emma Tennant, these was to be the start of his illustrative career.
Since the artist has illustrated hundreds of books and among them some best sellers. Still exhibiting his own works throughout this period, Edwards showed his work throughout England and Scotland and has since moved to a local village near his previous place of residence and also has his own studio.
The idea of the surreal and fragmented connections between characters and their surroundings of the woods is something that the artist strives to create, the intangible. The processes involved are the preparation behind the painting and allowing the canvas to be hand manipulated so that textures can be created. The artist favoured the medium of oil but realized once manipulated with palate knives this can be a long process to dry so now favours acrylics in which he has positively responded to as this makes the image seem more graphic based.
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