Andrew Hird ARSMA is a painter of traditional subjects in a realist style. Inspiration for his work often comes from places he knows and have significance to him. He is particularly drawn to subjects that include structure and light.

Andrew’s paintings develop from location studies and reference direct from the environment. He will often walk through a potential area many times looking for a moment or situation that catches his eye. Drawing is a fundamental part of his practice, and even a rapid pencil sketch will provide a wealth of information and imprints the character of a location in his mind. Given time, he will make more measured drawings or small painted studies of a subject. This allows a deeper connection and the opportunity to notice and record passing effects both natural and man-made. 

In the studio this reference material comes together into finished paintings. He particularly enjoys the studio working process with time to contemplate and develop inspiration and information gathered in the environment. Draughtsmanship plays an important part here with an underlying measured drawing forming the structure of every painting. It is important to him that every piece captures the initial excitement in the subject, and hopefully transmits the pleasure he find in sharing it.

Exhibition History

2024 - Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Mall Galleries

2024 - Royal Society of Marine Artists, Mall Galleries

2024 - 340 Kings Road, Chelsea - solo exhibition ‘Metropolitan and Marine’

2024 - Russell Gallery, Putney

2023 - Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Mall Galleries

2023 - Russell Gallery, Putney

2023 - Guildford House Open, Guildford, Surrey

2023 - Royal Society of Marine Artists, Mall Galleries

2023 - Chelsea Art Society, Chelsea Old Town Hall

2022 – Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Mall Galleries

2022 – Royal Society of Marine Artists, Mall Galleries

2022 – Broadway Arts Festival

2022 – Chelsea Art Society, Chelsea Old Town Hall

2020 – ING Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries

2019 – ROA Gallery, Pall Mall – solo exhibition ‘Summer 2019’

2019 – Sussex Art Fair, Brighton

2018 – Chelsea Art Society, Chelsea Old Town Hall

2018 – ROA Gallery, Pall Mall – solo exhibition ‘Home and Away”

2018 – Royal Society of Marine Artists, Mall Galleries

2018 – ROA Gallery, Pall Mall – solo exhibition ‘From City to Sea’

2017 – Patchings Festival, Nottingham

2016 – Richmond Art Society, Landmark Centre

2016 – Patchings Festival, Nottingham

2015 – Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Mall Galleries

2015 – Pintar Rapido, Chelsea Old Town Hall

2015 – Richmond Art Society, Vestry House

Prizes and Awards

2024 - Arthur Beale Award - Afloat or Ashore exhibition, RSMA / WGA / National Historic Ships

2024 - Topbond Marine Award, RSMA exhibition, Mall Galleries

2022 – Frank Herring Award, ROI exhibition, Mall Galleries

2021 – Monkton Arts Prize, Isle of Wight

2017 – Great Art Award, Patchings Festival

2017 – Peoples Choice Award, Patchings Festival

2016 – The Artist Magazine Purchase Prize, Patchings Festival, selected by Ken Howard RA OBE

2015 – Royal Institute of Oil Painters Paint Live First Prize, Mall Galleries

Press and reproduction

2019 – Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, featured artist, Gateshead

2019 – Three artworks reproduced under licence in C4 drama ‘It’s a Sin’

2016 – The Artist Magazine, prize winner feature

Permanent Collections

Royal Navy

Andrew’s paintings can be viewed and purchased from Seaview Art Gallery and Kendalls Fine Art on the Isle of Wight, or directly from this website. Shipping can be arranged to any destination and is complimentary within the UK when purchased from his studio. Instalment plans are available on many paintings, please contact Andrew via this website for details. International shipping can be arranged at a modest cost, please ask for a quote. All items will be packed in sturdy boxes and fully insured in transit. If you are not entirely happy with a purchased artwork on arrival it can be returned within fourteen days for a full refund.