Afon Conwy, Cymru / Wales - Oil on Canvas - 30x 40" - Plas Glyn Y Weddw 2015 - Sold
Gwyn was born in 1953 in the Conwy Valley, North Wales, in the stunningly beautiful Snowdonia National Park. From an early age, his love for his surroundings was very apparent and he spent his spare time walking, climbing and immersing himself in the beauty that surrounded him. He was educated at Llanrwst Grammar School and then studied Fine Art at Norwich School of Art and Cardiff College of Art during the 1970s.
During the 1980s, Gwyn produced a series of successful fine art screen prints and detailed meticulous paintings of still life and landscapes and he exhibited his work widely in galleries throughout England and Wales.
The demands of family life and a career as Head of Art in large, busy comprehensive schools, meant that for many years he had little time for his own art work. However, an accident, which resulted in the loss of the thumb joint on his right hand, made Gwyn realise that he might never be able to paint again, and this wake up call made him determined to restart painting seriously. He picked up his old pallet knife, not used since his college days, and began to paint with thick oil paint, something that had been milling around in his head for years. Instantly he became aware that he had found the technique and medium that best represented his feelings and emotions about his subject. Since this time he has been very successful and his work is in great demand.
His great love for Snowdonia has always had a huge influence on his work. Gwyn also spends much time in West Wales, walking the cliffs of the ruggedly dramatic coastline and he finds great inspiration in the ever-changing light on the sea and rocks.
He has recently had a number of solo, two man and mixed shows in galleries throughout Wales and the West of England.
While still at college one of his paintings was bought by the Welsh Arts Council on the recommendation of William Scott who was the selector for The National Eisteddfod of Wales and recently the University of Wales bought a painting. His work is also in many private collections in Britain and abroad.
His intention over the next few years is to travel more widely, giving him the opportunity to draw and paint new images from other inspiring landscapes.
