Rob Shaw's work on exhibition at Staithes Gallery
Rob Shaw was born in Ripley, Derbyshire in 1974. After studying for an HND in Spatial Design at Newcastle College of Art he went to Middlesbrough University and graduated in 1998 with a First Class Honours degree in Interior Architecture and Design. In 2006, having worked for several years as a Design Project Manager while enjoying growing success with his painting, he left his job to become a full time professional artist.
A self taught painter, he began painting when his family moved to Boulby, overlooking Staithes, in 1994. The village, with its clusters of cottages balanced precariously against the elements, is the source of his inspiration. He constantly sought new ways to depict the buildings and their ever shifting relationship with the winds, the tides, the storms and the light that envelop them. His work exploits the variety of perspective offered by cliff top views and the winding paths climbing up and behind the cottages. Once seen these paintings are rarely forgotten but become ingrained in the viewer's memory of the unique and resolute beauty of this place.
In recent years Rob has painted a wider range of subjects. The breakwaters
at Staithes continually resisting the assault of waves and storms have particularly
inspired him as have the traditional boats along the north east coast, especially
at Paddy's Hole (South Gare) on the mouth of the River Tees. His fasination
for architecture has led him to make a series of spectacular cityscapes based
in Newcastle, Durham, Bath, Florence, Middlesbrough and London. His painting
London from St Paul's with White Van was hung at the Royal Academy
Summer Exhibition 2012.
