Oliver West

I am a landscape artist, producing etchings & engravings using Intaglio & Monotype processes.  I have been practising since 1990, and graduated with a BA Fine Art degree with Honours from Falmouth College of Arts in 1994.  In early 1995 I set up my own company, Proof Print Arts, incorporating a printmaking studio and working gallery.  I have since organised many exhibitions and arts-based courses, working all over Europe.  One of my engravings of Westminster hangs in the Houses of Parliament in London and another etching is in the Royal Collection. 

With the use of my mobile studio (incorporating a 21” press), I have taken what is traditionally a studio-based practice and moved it outdoors - I do all my work ‘en Plein Air’.  My aim is to be in the landscape capturing moment by moment changes in light and atmospheric conditions.  I do not like working from static images because my mark-making happens as a response to what I see rather than being intellectually controlled.  The idea of following the changes in the landscape is important to me – the images I create should show the fact that a landscape is never still; everything is constantly in motion.  A photo could, in my opinion, make static some of the things that need to be expressed in my work.  I don’t like being in control, so I often work in environments that force me to work immediately and directly e.g. in severe weather conditions or in the middle of the road! From a viewer’s point of view, I want to encourage the ability to look at a piece and see it as dynamic and constantly changing, depending on the available light.

All my plates are made on location and often proofed on the spot with the use of my mobile studio.  There is therefore always a monoprinted effect in each of the proofs produced.  Each print is unique, and will vary in colour and density, and in some cases prints are mixed media hand-coloured prints.  Options on parts of these editions are available.  If you want to buy a piece unframed, the price will be £100 less.

I also run art holidays throughout the year, offering friendly and informal tuition and flexible schedules.  If you fancy printmaking in Cornwall, painting in Venice or sketching in South Africa, please email me!