Barry Hilton's art has gained him lasting success in the UK. He skilfully conveys emotion and atmosphere in his renowned landscape paintings through bold blocks of colour and striking contrasts in texture. His quieter harbour scenes may be more subdued, but they still leave a strong impression. The lovely, lyrical quality of his work has garnered him recognition on a global scale. Most recently, an American publishing company sought to feature one of his paintings on the cover of a new book by esteemed poet Joyce Sutphen.
Barry draws his greatest inspiration from the beautiful landscapes surrounding his home in northern England. His paintings feature a striking contrast between the smooth, delicately painted skies and the heavily textured land in vibrant hues. He can vividly recall the moment when this unique style was born, during one of his frequent trips to the countryside. It was then that he saw a field of bright yellow rapeseed against a dark, stormy sky, an image that has stayed with him ever since and continues to influence his work. The interplay between light and dark, tranquillity and tumult, is a fundamental element in every painting he creates.
Upon initially observing a scene, he is drawn to the interplay of tonalities. This element is what he aims to capture, whether through photography, sketching, or mental recollection. Colour serves as a means for him to interpret the scene, ranging from vivid reds and yellows to sombre shades of grey, blue, and green.
Throughout his career, he has created numerous noteworthy landscapes that showcase what he refers to as his 'moody' skies. His focus lies in capturing the atmosphere and shading within his pieces. Rather than replicating the true colours of the scenery, his work embodies the imaginative and artistic skill of a true talent.
