An Evening With... Angus Gardner!
How often do you get chance to spend quality time with an artist, listening to the stories behind his work and watching him actually painting before your very eyes!
Friday 7th March 2025 is the date and 6pm-8pm is the time for you to join us here at The Acorn Gallery in Pocklington to meet the man of the moment - Angus Gardner!
Angus will be here to tell his stories and talk about the inspiration behind his unique paintings AND he will also be showing you his skills in a live painting demonstration!
As if that wasn't enough - we will also be unveiling a brand new, fresh off the easel, never seen before, original painting!
So if you'd like to know more about the man ahead of the event then read on...
Nestled amidst the rolling landscapes of North Yorkshire, Angus Gardner, a British contemporary artist, has been capturing the essence of rural life and wildlife through his vibrant and evocative artworks. Born in Newcastle to a Scottish-Irish father and a Sicilian-Maltese mother, Angus Gardner's heritage is a rich tapestry that weaves through his art, infusing it with both the dry wit of his father and the passionate flair of his mother.
Early Life and Career
From a young age, Angus Gardner exhibited a profound connection to art and nature. One of his earliest memories is transforming his bedroom walls into life-sized murals of Marvel Avengers at the tender age of eight - a creative endeavor that left his parents both astonished and bemused. This early display of artistic talent was complemented by his love for animals, evidenced by the full-sized aviary of Zebra Finches that occupied a wall of his room.
In 1990, Angus graduated with a degree in Graphic and Audio Visual Design, embarking on a journey that would see him traverse continents and artistic disciplines. His career commenced in the bustling heart of New York City, where he served as an art teacher before transitioning to a graphic designer role for an investment bank on Madison Avenue.
Despite the allure of the Big Apple, homesickness drew him back to the North East of England in 1992. There, he diversified his portfolio, working as an animator and video director across the UK, Europe, and the Far East.
Eventually, he found his niche as a graphic artist, illustrator, and designer for prestigious clients, including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fenwick, Fortnum & Mason, and The Secret Garden Distillery. His creative touch has graced everything from luxury packaging to branded products, subtly embedding his artistry into everyday life.
Life on the Farm: A Muse for Art
Today, Angus Gardner resides on a sprawling 600-acre working farm near Moorsholm, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. This idyllic setting is shared with his wife, stepdaughter, an array of animals, and his beloved German Shepherd, Obi, and serves as a constant source of inspiration. Daily walks with Obi have become a ritual, offering encounters with local wildlife that spark his creativity. He has a huge enthusiasm for nature and is a grand raconteur of the vivid tales he spins from his observations.
Angus Gardner's art is a celebration of the natural world, rendered through a lens of humour and personality. Working primarily with acrylics, he magnifies the quirks and characteristics of his subjects, transforming everyday wildlife into charismatic figures that resonate with viewers. His compositions often incorporate personal anecdotes or commentary, inviting audiences to see familiar creatures in a new light.
In March 2024, Angus unveiled his first published collection, Spring Walks with Obi at The Acorn Gallery, Pocklington. This series encapsulates the essence of his countryside excursions, portraying the flora and fauna encountered during his rambles. Each piece is imbued with the spontaneity and joy of these walks, offering a window into the serene yet vibrant world he inhabits.
Several of the original paintings sold on the first day followed by a steady stream of orders for the framed editions.
This year, on Friday 7th March Angus will be launching a brand new, never seen before, painting along with his stunning new hand embellished canvas editions. which are available not only in all new editions, but also for the earlier collection too, giving collectors a superb new option on each title!
This is the first opportunity people will have to get up close and have a proper look at this new canvas presentation and see first hand the care and attention that Angus puts into each hand embellished piece.
Angus Gardner creates art that is a testament to the beauty of nature viewed through a prism of humour and personal connection. His journey from a creatively inclined child to a celebrated artist is marked by a deep-seated passion for both his craft and the natural world.
As he continues to explore and depict the landscapes and wildlife of North Yorkshire, audiences worldwide are invited to share in his unique perspective, one that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, and the familiar into the fantastical.