Figurative artist, Cliff (b.1961) studied Art Foundation at North Staffordshire Polytechnic, graduating in 1981, and then studied for a BA (Hons) Fine Painting at Liverpool Polytechinc, graduating in 1984.
My work primarily explores the themes of the figure in solitude and figures in contemplation.
Fashion and street photography have influenced these themes.
A further influence is Tonalism where colours and tones are emphasised to express a mood or poetic feeling. The colours chosen are intended to assist in resonating an essence of mood and atmosphere and to reflect a perception of positive introspection.
Working in both oil and acrylic paint I use a process of brushstrokes and added use of pastels and charcoal to build up the compositions. Chance plays a part where strokes are painted over and texture smudged or removed and then rebuilt.
WORK FOR 10YEARS ON (OCT/NOV 2026):
The collection for the Silson’s 10 Year Anniversary Show represents a continuation of recent works exploring figurative introspection.
The works endeavour to evoke an emotional response that resonates with the viewer and to invite the viewer to create their own narrative.
The compositions show either a solitary contemplative figure or two figures placed together/juxtaposed to symbolise a dialogue of shared introspection and connection.
The concept of introspection and stillness for each composition are enhanced by a deliberate minimal background and use of negative space around the figures
Cliff’s hauntingly beautiful work and earned him many collectors in the UK, USA, France and Germany.
For London Fashion Week, 2026 Cliff was commissioned to collaborate with renowned British fashion photographer, Nick Knight CBE, and fashion house H & M, to create illustrations for use on LFW posters and as digital drawings projected behind the H & M catwalk show.
Cliff works from his studio in the Midlands.
