Darren Reid

Biography

Darren Reid (b. 1971, Derbyshire) is a self-taught artist who paints intricately detailed contemporary landscapes focusing particularly on his native Britain and the Californian landscape. From an empty stretch of road, a busy LA intersection, or a simple laundromat at night, Reid paints to find beauty in the everyday.

Reid credits his attraction to photo-realism through its potential to render a scene “so perfectly in paint” and for its documentary value. The allure of his subject matter is found in references to his local environment and his ability to capture a sense of isolation, sparking a discussion on differences between how we live in urban and rural environments.

Working with ultra-fine tip brushes, Reid’s meticulous visual language not only reflects the artist’s skill but demonstrates the substantial amount of time the artist spends producing his detailed compositions. Drawing scenes by hand, working on panel or canvas, Reid uses photographs as a supplementary device to inform the characteristics of a setting before forming the complex and detailed arrangements of his subject matter and employing acrylic paint.

In 2014, Reid was shortlisted for the John Ruskin Prize. Since then, the artist has continued to thrive on the art scene and toured with the V&A's 2014 Recording Britain exhibition. Reid's paintings are held in collections throughout the world including: Switzerland, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Download Artist's CV

Works