My paintings grace the walls in homes and offices not only across the UK, but also internationally, reaching admirers in the United States, Europe, and Australia.

About the art

Kris Mercer is a contemporary British landscape painter based in Nottingham, UK. Her work captures the essence of both rural and urban environments, blending realism and abstraction to explore the emotional and visual impact of place.

Kris’s paintings are inspired by the landscapes she has visited, imagined, or observed from unique perspectives—from the rolling fields and forests near her home to the vibrant rhythm of cityscapes and coastlines. Her style is shaped by a wide range of influences, including modernist painters like Georgia O’Keeffe and Patrick Heron, abstract artists such as Howard Hodgkin and Gillian Ayres, and pop art icons like David Hockney and Wayne Thiebaud.

Currently, Kris is concentrating on a new series of works inspired by aerial views seen from aeroplane windows. These pieces explore the changing geometry, colour, and patterns of the landscape when viewed from above, offering a fresh perspective on the natural and built world.

Whether working representationally, abstractly, or somewhere in between, Kris continues to explore the interplay of shape, colour, and contour. Her aim is always to evoke a deep connection to place—and to invite viewers into a moment of reflection.

A Bit Of Background

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.

I went off to Cyprus with young daughters in tow. I then spent a few years there before having to return home.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced mental health challenges.  Along with anxiety problems 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.

2025
Open Studio Notts

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

2020
Placed, Innovative art -American Art Awards

2019
Placed, Pop art – American Art Awards
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
2nd place, Innovative art – American Art Awards
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

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