Kris Mercer – Nottinghamshire Artist Exploring Landscape & Emotion in Paint
Artist & Practice
I’m a contemporary British painter based in Nottinghamshire.
My work explores the emotional and visual impact of place through aerial landscapes, abstract seascapes, and colour-led investigations of memory and form.
Whether capturing the intricate patchwork of farmland from above, shimmering seas, or layered marks that echo moments of recall, I’m drawn to the quiet tension between stillness and energy, spontaneity and structure, surface and depth.
The Sea and Shore series offers a counterbalance: expansive skies and open space.
In contrast, the Weathered Dialogues paintings are more introspective—layers scraped back and reworked to reveal fragments of thought, emotion, or memory.
Across all series, colour is the binding force. I lean into bold, intuitive choices—sometimes harmonious, sometimes disruptive—to evoke mood and movement.
Though visually distinct, these bodies of work share a common purpose: mapping lived experience, whether external or internal, physical or emotional. What unites them is not a subject or technique, but a desire to create a pause—for both myself and the viewer—in which to notice, absorb, and reconnect.
My paintings grace homes and offices not only across the UK, but also internationally, reaching admirers in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
“Absolutely stunning, looks better in real life. Great service and delivery. ”
“We received all the five paintings today. We absolutely love all of them!”
“Arrived quickly and well packaged. Looks fabulous. I love it.”
My Journey
After embarking on my artistic journey as a mature student at Mansfield College of Art, I found my true calling through self-guided exploration of painting techniques.
Despite finishing the BTEC Art and Design course with a distinction. I opted not to pursue formal education, after gaining a place at Derby University, preferring to forge my own path.
Instead I chose to travel with the girls to Cyprus and continue my artistic education by myself.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced mental health challenges. A diagnosis of Bi-Polar in my 30’s along with anxiety problems and an ongoing back issue means I don’t get out as much as I would like. I tend to rely on memories, and photographs I have taken for the basis of most of my artworks.
I have found that the solitude of my own space suits my temperament better than working in a studio collective. So I have an attic studio at home, and within that sanctuary I have discovered both solace and inspiration.
EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS
2025
Open Studio Notts
Jackson’s extended long list
Longlisted – VAA, Artist of the Year Award
2024
Dame Catherine Arts Summer Exhibition
DCArts prize, shortlisted – Best in show
Longlisted – VAA, Artist of the Year Award
2023
Bringing Artists into View – Worksop Library,
Open Studio Notts
Longlisted – VAA, Visual Art Open
2019
Cityscapes, London And Beyond
Lumi Arts
2018
The Artist Collection
Patchings Gallery.
2017
Clairefontaine Award – The Artist Open
The Artist exhibition Award – The Artist Open
Charlfred Gallery, London
ING Discerning eye, Mall galleries, London
Thoresby gallery 21st Open
Open Studios Notts
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”
2016
Derwent Award – The Artist Open
Focus Gallery Nottingham
Open Studios Notts
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”
2015
Solo exhibition – The Gherkin, Hosted by Swiss Re in support of Alzeimers society
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”
Rufford Courtyard Gallery,
Open Studios Notts
2014
Thoresby Gallery 101
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”
Thoresby Gallery open
Longlisted for National Open Art (NOA
2013
Outside In: Central exhibition at Compton Verney. Artwork featured
Thoresby Gallery open
2012
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”
The Harley Gallery Exhibition, ‘H is for…’,
2011
Guardian London Lives Competition. Bankside Gallery