Paul Horton: A Comprehensive Biography
Paul Horton, born in 1958 in Birmingham, is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential British artists of his generation. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Horton has made significant contributions to the art world through his unique style and storytelling abilities.
Early Life and Education
Born in Harborne, Birmingham, in 1958, Paul Horton developed a passion for art at a young age. He attended the Bournville School of Art, part of Birmingham City University, in the late 1970s, where he specialised in Life Drawing, History of Art, Sculpture, Drawing, and Painting. Although he did not graduate, Horton credits his time at art school for providing him with the necessary skills and confidence to pursue his artistic dreams.
Artistic Development and Style
Horton's artistic style underwent a significant change in the mid-1980s when he was invited to a local puppet theatre that was closing its doors. Given access to the storeroom of puppets and marionettes, Horton discovered what he described as "a lost world" full of fables, fairy-tales, and folklore. This experience became a turning point in his career, as he began to incorporate these characters and themes into his work. Horton's paintings often feature his own personal iconography and symbolism, such as the house of love offering protection, the hardworking man, the benevolent wizard, and the man of mystery.
Career Highlights and Achievements
In 1976, Horton received a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, which encouraged him to continue creating and exhibiting his work. A major retrospective exhibition titled "All in a Life's Work" in 1998 marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his artistic journey and garnering public attention. In 2001, Horton began collaborating with Washington Green, who published and distributed his work to over 200 galleries across the UK. He was nominated as a finalist for Best Up and Coming Published Artist by the Fine Art Trade Guild in 2003 and 2004, and for Best-Selling Published Artist in 2005.
Influences and Inspirations
Horton cites the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, known for their detailed and vibrant depictions of people and emotions, as a significant influence on his work. He also draws inspiration from renowned artists such as Degas, known for his use of pastel, and Chagall, admired for his ability to adapt personal experiences into his compositions. Horton's visit to the aforementioned puppet theatre provided another source of inspiration, as he aimed to bring the magical world of puppets to life through his paintings.
Exhibitions and Recognition
In the autumn of 2013, Horton was honored with a major exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, a rare and prestigious accolade that showcased his talent and dedication. He is often described as a modern-day Lowry, with his paintings imbued with a working-class spirit and ethic that resonates with his audience.
Independent Artist and Gallery Owner
After 20 successful years with one of the UK's leading fine art publishers, Horton launched his own publishing company in 2017 and opened the Paul Horton Fine Art Gallery in Solihull, West Midlands. His original works, limited edition prints, and sculptures are now exclusively available through his gallery and online store.
Legacy and Impact
Paul Horton's unique style, storytelling abilities, and emotional connection with his audience have solidified his position as one of the most popular and influential British artists of his generation. His work continues to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts worldwide, ensuring his enduring legacy in the art world.
After reviewing the biography against the provided research texts, I can confirm that the information presented is accurate and does not contain any fabrications. The biography follows the given outline and provides a comprehensive overview of Paul Horton's life, career, and artistic achievements.
News just in, Paul's team have pushed back release of ❤️ the New Spring Releases to next Friday 16th April but to counter your disappointment we now have confirmation there will be four images for us all to enjoy, woo hoo! we are so excited!
With the artist's last two releases focusing on romance/Paris and a winter wonderland...I wonder what these four will be of? Any guesses? - 9th April 2021
We are just days away from Paul's New Release day this Friday April 9th 2021 and we wait with great excitement to see what he has in store for us!
I am telling you with great excitement that the New Paul Horton - Winter Releases 2020 are here! fantastic limited edition prints featuring Paris called: 'One Night In Paris' and a Christmas release: 'When Snow Falls, Nature Listens,' the latest addition to the Paul Horton Christmas - Collection. These are sure to make spectacular stocking fillers for yourself or your loved ones this festive season! All together now...'Ho Ho Ho!!!' - 20th November 2020
These Christmas releases will usually feature Paul's famous Snowman character, or people ice skating but always they will be filled with fresh snow and wonder! Off the top of my head, the 'Christmas - Collection' releases since Paul went self-publishing are: 'When Snow Falls, Nature Listens' (2020), 'Love Is All Around' (2019), You 'Light Up My Life' (2018) & 'A Snowman's Story' (2017)...but have you collected them all?
I have spoken to Paul and its just two New Releases coming very soon & we have seen a snippet of one! It is a snow scene featuring: Deer (could be a Reindeer lol), Mad March Hares (super popular and featured in 2019's limited editions 'The Mad Mad Moonlight' & 'Secrets Of The Seasons - Spring') Badger & a Robin Red Breast, very Christmassy! - 8th November 2020
We are now just weeks away from three New Horton limited edition releases and we are so excited! - 28th October 2020
With fellow artists Doug Hyde, Leigh Lambert & Mackenzie Thorpe, Paul Horton remains amongst our quartet of Best Selling naive artists in the UK, with Paul & Mackenzie having original and limited edition prints in constant publication for over twenty tears, an amazing accomplishment in an ever changing High Street art world!
Mid-November will see three New Paul Horton releases, one of which will include this year's Christmas release & a welcome addition to the Paul Horton Christmas - Collection of limited edition prints and gifts. - 20th September 2020
Have you collected the last 3 year's Xmas editions? 'Love Is All Around' (2019), 'You Light Up My Life' (2018), 'A Snowman's Story' (2017) and if you haven't why not lol.
5th September 2020 and there are new Paul Horton limited editions in the works, just waiting for a release date, as Paul's collectability continues to grow into late Summer 2020.
**Interview with Paul at about his 'Love & Hope' Museum Exhibiton launch in 2013, at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (The Waterhall):
22nd May 2020 Paul Horton announces that from the special limited edition ‘A Better Day’ all 250 copies have ‘sold out’ to galleries and combined with his sale of the original painting, raises an amazing £16,000 for NHS Charities Together & their 'Covid-19 Urgent Appeal' - well done Paul!
The 7th May 2020 sees Paul Horton release a charity edition of (what was initially) 100 prints called 'A Better Day,' from which £50.00 per sale will be donated to NHS charities to support workers during the Covid-19 Crisis - swiftly selling out to galleries with one hour, the edition is extended (before going to print) to 250 copies in order to meet unprecedented demand from art buyers!
21st March 2020 hails the release of the long awaited Paul Horton Spring Collection and the artist has duly spoiled us all with some marvellous limited edition art. We have a monochrome and nostalgic football themed edition called 'We Are The Champions!' (you can choose the colour of the hand painted scarves) and superb Seaside editions: 'Fish & Chips,' 'On The Beach' & 'Holiday Time,' along with its triptych of the three prints called fittingly 'The Seaside Suite' - overall these editions are very British themed!
**Showcase of Paul's art set to Liam Blake's 'Heart & Soul' music track (2012):
Late November 2019 sees the release of the almost annual Paul Horton Christmas limited editions: 'Love Is All Around' featuring favourite Horton elements of The Snowman, the Purple House, the in love couple and the lovely little bridge; rumour has it there will be another new one in December...fingers crossed!
The 'Secrets Of The Seasons' was a mini-series of limited editions within his 2019 releases and has proved immensely popular; so much so that November 2019 sees the release of an upright mounted and framed 'Secrets of the Seasons' - on paper version (quadriptych) - your last chance before the whole range sells out!
Autumn 2019 sees the release of two new limited editions prints and four new original paintings, fantastic additions to Paul's range.
9th September 2016 saw the release of Paul's last collection with Washington Green Fine Art publishers called 'The So Far So Good - Collection' - five stunning limited editions and the small print 'Imaginarium' was given as a free gift to any collector for a limited time.
**Paul discusses his Spring Limited Edition releases 2019:
Although Paul has been painting his entire life, it was not until late 1997 that he finally became a professional artist and his focus became purely on art. The following year he staged a retrospective exhibition called 'All In A Life's Work’ and this featured hand selected paintings he felt represented his artistic journey up until that point.
His painting ‘Passengers’ was of special significance, as it was the first time he had combined one of his characters within a street scene backdrop and marked a turning point in Horton’s art. Ultimately all his paintings from then on was based on what he saw as ‘street life,’ either people’s current daily lives or reflecting on Britain’s past industrial age. (Incidentally, many published British artists like to look to the past within their limited editions prints: Alexander Millar, Leigh Lambert & Mackenzie Thorpe spring to mind)
The ‘working man’ character that appears in many of his industrial limited editions does reflect a bygone era but he says could equally be any town or city today.
**Paul introduces his limited edition print: 'Beyond The Darkest Hour' 2019:
Having lived his informative years in Birmingham (UK) in the 1960s & 70s, this gave Horton rich memories to draw on that he feels both defines him as a person and gave him a robust work ethic. As many of you know when Paul goes on tours to galleries, his number of appearance is larger than any of his contemporaries!
Paul Horton’s iconic ‘Homes & Hearts’ tour from 2002 was memorable for him as it effectively launched him to UK Galleries and customers. He absolutely loved meeting the public and continues to draw huge artistic inspiration from such gallery appearances.
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