Nigel Hemming: A Master of Canine Art
Nigel Hemming is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential animal artists in the United Kingdom. His distinctive style and ability to capture the essence of his subjects, particularly dogs, have earned him a reputation as a master of canine art.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1957 in Staffordshire, England, Nigel Hemming grew up in the rural village of Kinver. From a young age, he demonstrated a keen interest in painting, often choosing wild birds and landscapes as his subjects, inspired by his countryside surroundings. After completing his secondary education, Hemming briefly attended Art College before exploring a potential career in teaching. However, he soon realised that his true calling was in the world of art.
Artistic Development and Style
In 1977, at the age of 21, Hemming made the decision to pursue a professional career in art. Initially, he focused on wildlife art, but soon recognised the potential in specialising in animal portraits, specifically dogs. As he began to paint more canine subjects, Hemming developed a unique style that not only captured the likeness of the dogs but also their individual personalities and the special bond they share with their human companions. His work evolved through various media, including watercolour, acrylic, pastel, and finally, oil, which became his preferred medium.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Hemming's work has been widely published in limited edition form since the mid-1980s, with each new edition garnering increasing popularity. In 1986, he began a long-standing collaboration with Washington Green, a respected fine art publisher, releasing his first set of four gun dog prints. The success of these prints led to further releases and a natural progression into high-quality limited editions. Hemming's published works and original paintings have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. In 1996, he received the prestigious "Published Artist of the Year" award from the Fine Art Trade Guild, cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of animal art.
Legacy and Impact
Nigel Hemming's unique ability to capture the essence of his canine subjects has made him one of the most sought-after animal artists in the United Kingdom. His paintings have become highly collectible, with both private collectors and galleries actively seeking his work. Hemming's art has not only brought joy to countless dog lovers but has also helped to raise awareness of the special bond between humans and their canine companions. His legacy as a master of canine art is sure to endure, inspiring future generations of animal artists and continuing to delight art enthusiasts worldwide.
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15th December 2020 and a rather special limited edition 'Vacant Possession' has been released ❤️, a short edition of just 20 copies and taken from a commission of this gorgeous black labrador retriever called Nancy & her teddy bear!
Nigel continues to be one of the most sort after commission artists for Dog (and other animals!) Art, please get in touch to have your beloved pet painted.
July and September 2020 sees the respective releases of two british bulldog themed art: 'Out Of The Shadows' and 'Jack.'
The first limited edition 'Out Of The Shadows' was, as many artists did, Nigel's first artwork released specifically for & during the Covid19 crisis, reminding us about our great strength, national pride and shared history in the UK for overcoming adversity. Such was the popularity of this limited edition, he followed it up in September 2020 with the simply titled: 'Jack' - released in time for Winter 2020 and another British heart warmer!
Nigel continues to develop his artistic talents and come up with new and invetful ways to showcase his talent.
Nigel Hemming is one of the UK's most famous canine artists. Born in 1957 in Staffordshire, England, Nigel's career has been well documented through his published work, with the progression of his art through the painting mediums of watercolour, acrylic, pastels, and finally oil.
Although initially Nigel saw himself as a wildlife artist, with ornithological subjects (birds) holding a special fascination for him, it is through the paintings of dogs with which his name has become so famously associated. The relationship between man and dog offers a huge source of inspiration for him.
Living with his own dogs, Nigel became a great observer of canine behaviour and his images reflect this deep understanding of the subject. Followers of Nigel Hemming's work are particularly drawn to the fact they see their 'own dog' in his paintings and that he has uniquely captured it for them.
Nigel Hemming's work has been published in a limited edition format since the mid-1980s, enjoys growing popularity with each new edition. His published works and original paintings have appeared in one man shows, as well as a series of high profile exhibitions. His work is collected throughout the World, including: the U.K., Europe and the United States
In 1986, Nigel had his first work published by the Washington Green, a set of four gun dog prints, which proved immensely popular worldwide. This subsequently led to more releases and a natural progression to high quality limited edition prints.
Following acclaimed exhibitions and with huge demand for his limited edition prints in North America and the United Kingdom, Nigel received the Fine Art Trade Guild's award: 'Published Artist of the Year' in 1996. His original work has become highly sought after by private collectors and galleries.
In the late 1990s, Nigel also became a self published artist, releasing New limited editions every year.
In 2006 Nigel introduced his 'contemporary range' of limited editions & originals, with the Nov 2006 releases of titles: 'Big Brother' & 'Weather Or Not.' (Box canvases) This style represents a focus on the dog itself with minimal background and remains a fresh an innovative way to paint dogs.
The 'Large Than Life' series of limited editions, extended this theme further with just the dogs face filling the painting. Nearly all images in the contemporary range appear in modern box canvas format and traditional on paper.
As of 2014 Nigel work continues to be in demand and the artist himself is busier than ever with commissions. His older limited edition prints continue to trade for a premium.
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