About Huw Blacker
Landscape Painter and Mixed Media Artist
Expressions from the Landscape
My work is driven by a deep connection to the Welsh landscape—its changing weather, shifting light, and varied terrain, from quiet inland hills, valleys, and ancient woodlands to the drama of the coast. Working in a semi-abstract, expressionist style, I aim to capture a genuine sense of place rather than recording a literal view. My paintings are simply a response to the constant wonder of the natural world—evoking the mood, changing weather, and atmosphere of these spaces.
Biography
Born in Mountain Ash, South Wales, my passion for painting began during my teenage years. This led me to study Fine Art in Stourbridge, graduating in the late 1980s. In those early studio years, I created large semi-abstract oil canvases, developing an intuitive approach to mark-making, space, and form.
In my mid-twenties, my path took a turn into youth and community work. I qualified as an informal educator, completed a PhD in Sociology, and spent nearly three decades working with young adults in the homeless and social housing sector. It was a deeply rewarding career, but the call to express myself through painting was always present in the background. I returned to the easel part-time in 2018, before making the move to painting full-time in 2023.
Studio and Process
Today, I paint from a garden studio in South Wales—affectionately known as 'The Painting Shed' thanks to my two sons.
My approach is rooted in working intuitively, bringing together traditional techniques and more experimental mark-making. My process relies on mixed media—layering acrylics, oils, inks, pastels, charcoal, collage, and gesso. Using traditional brushes alongside palette knives, rollers, and scrapers, I build up physical, layered surfaces that reflect the rugged, weathered qualities of the countryside and coast.
The ‘Painting Shed’
Prints, Originals & Enquiries
Fine Art Prints: A wide selection of archival giclée prints are available in the online shop, offered either mounted or unmounted.
Original Paintings: Original works are released periodically as new paintings are completed in the studio.
Markets & Events: I regularly show a full range of prints and selected work at markets and events across South Wales - you can find a live list of my upcoming dates and locations on the homepage.
Get in Touch: If you’d like to ask about a print, enquire about bespoke sizes, or ask for advice on mounting and framing, feel free to drop me a message.