AN INTRIGUING exhibition of ‘crowdscapes’ by artist Neil McBride can be seen in the gallery at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre from Monday, May 21 to Saturday, June 30.

Neil’s crowd scenes are impressionistic renderings of people in eventful situations.

The paintings are products of Neil’s imagination and are intended to engage and evoke strong emotional responses.

Figurative and semi-abstract paintings rub shoulders to create a stimulating and sometimes challenging exhibition.

Neil said: “Rehearsed spontaneity and order from chaos would best describe the feel of my work.

“Many traditional painting techniques and methods are employed but the paintings often begin without any pre-conceived idea of an event or narrative, much like the way many writers allow a novel to evolve on the fly. This helps to maintain a level of intrigue and excitement with every piece.

“My crowds are designed to act as triggers to the viewer’s own imagination, often resulting in lively discussions about the narrative content and events portrayed in the paintings.”

Neil graduated from Doncaster College of Art with a distinction in Applied Art at Advanced Level, in 1970.

During his 40-year award-winning career in advertising and graphic design, Neil was nominated for a prestigious Clio Award for his work on the 1980s ‘People’ advertising campaign for the Halifax Building Society, which featured crowds of people. This work informed his latest body of contemporary artworks.

In 2010 Neil switched full time to his contemporary art career.

He was the inaugural artist to show solo at the new Inspired By… gallery in Danby, North Yorkshire, and has enjoyed particular success in benefit shows in aid of numerous charities including York Against Cancer at Castle Howard; The Great North Art Show at Ripon Cathedral, where he was the best-selling artist of 2014; Art for Youth North at Queen Mary’s school near Thirsk, and The Leeds Open Exhibition, in aid of St Gemma’s Hospice, where he was voted Best Artist in Show by the public.

Neil has also participated many times in North Yorkshire Open Studios. During his debut at The Great North Art Show in Ripon Cathedral in September 2014 he achieved the accolade of best-selling artist in the show. As a consequence he was a featured painter for 2015.

Neil lives and works from his studio at home near York.

Crowdscapes can be seen in the gallery at the SJT from Monday 21 May to Saturday 30 June. The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays, except during show times. Entry is free.

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