Adventure on Canvas: Meet Philip Gray, the Extreme Artist

What makes an extreme artist? 

While there’s no easy answer to that question, Philip Gray is someone who can safely claim the title. He’s an Irish artist whose work has taken him from Everest Base Camp's icy peaks to the ocean's shark-infested depths, all with a paintbrush in hand.

Wild and Extraordinary

With a drive for adventure as much as for art, Gray continually seeks opportunities to interact with the natural world he captures. His adventures have taken him to the waters and icebergs of Antarctica and the rainforests of Borneo, driven to create art and capture the essence of nature in places others have rarely seen.

Following a 17-year career as a diver in the Irish Navy, Gray tells us of his deep connection to the sea, which continues to inspire his work. “I have a great love of the sea… and as I lean over the side of a ship heading towards a new destination, I still feel that the ocean is speaking to me with a thousand words and a thousand visions... New life challenges provide the impetus for my work and are an essential element of my painting process.”

Gray creates many of his works in oils, favouring them for their slow-drying nature, which allows for greater creativity; he says, “There are no limits with oils, which is reflective of how I try to live my life”. He also uses pastels that are easier to take out on his adventures, enabling him to get closer to the elements he wants to capture.

His works have found homes in the collections of some incredible people, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and even Dolly Parton.

You can see more of his work on the website, and we're thrilled to have Philip Gray will be visiting our gallery on 17th October. This is a rare opportunity to meet this fascinating artist, hear firsthand about his incredible adventures, and experience the power of his art up close. We’d love to share this unique event with you – for more information and to book on click here.