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This July, Scarborough-based artist Ryan Chadwick will bring his visions of the world’s creatures to the Yorkshire Arboretum in stunning detail. From 19th July to 2nd August, the arboretum will host an exhibition of work by this unique and gifted local artist.

A young artist indeed, Ryan studied for a degree in Fine Art 2009-2012, which afforded him the opportunity to explore and develop his artistic style. Initially inspired by the Russian constructivist movement – where he began producing pieces that in his own words “focussed on impossible machines and structures” – his interest in the natural world brought him to his current style. The wildlife documentaries of Sir David Attenborough have profoundly impacted his approach, mixing anatomical accuracy with the eye-popping simplicity of a child’s animal picture book.

Of his development, Ryan says: “I began drawing around the age of seven. I was given a library book depicting images of airliners in a side profile; a viewpoint I have largely stuck to up to the present. These enormous planes were drawn with such detail and precision and I became fascinated with their immense, intricate structure, and the way in which the artist had captured their metallic surfaces on paper. To me, these artists were creating masterpieces…I then started to emulate this style as best I could.”

Ryan’s last public exhibition took place in April 2018 at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, and since then he has completed commissions for clients in the United States, Australia and across the rest of the world. His unique and immersive work allows him to sustain a living as a full-time professional artist.

The Yorkshire Arboretum will host a variety of Ryan’s current work; colourful pieces that represent some of the Earth’s largest mammals and tiniest insects. Created entirely in pen and pencil, Ryan’s subjects appear very much alive. His clinical eye for detail never overrules the beauty of each creature, brought to life with a shot of colour against the white page. Original pieces will be for sale signed and framed, with limited edition prints also available.

For more information, visit: www.yorkshirearboretum.org/events/2019/2/18/ryan-chadwick-exhibition