Artist: Gareth Parry

Artist’s Statement

Gareth Parry RCA is one of our leading painters, born in 1951 into the culturally rich quarrying community of Blaenau Ffestiniog. He studied for a while at the Manchester College of Art.

For many difficult years, with money often hard to come by, Gareth established himself not only through private commissions but as a fine illustrator.

However some 18 years ago he decided to paint as he wanted, basing paintings of people, places and effects on his sketches. With this shift came admirers from all walks of life, awoken to his talents as a gifted painter - the late Kyffin Williams amongst them, who also became a friend. Gareth’s work is not so much about place as it is about effect or mood, brushwork is of paramount importance.

Earlier this year Gareth had his second major exhibition at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, where his paintings have been bought for the national collection. His work is mostly about Wales and the Welsh and he has a deep understanding of both the landscape and the people who occupy it.

For Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw it is always an honour and a privilege to exhibit his work.