About the art

British Artist, Kris Mercer, is a contemporary landscape painter working in Nottingham, UK.
She continues to evolve her paintings, capturing both rural and urban landscapes.
Her work transitions between realism and abstraction.

A diverse range of influences include modernist painters like Georgia O’Keeffe, and Patrick Heron. Abstract painters like Howard Hodgkin and Gillian Ayres to pop art painters like David Hockney and Wayne Thiebaud.
The range of influences is limitless.

Her urban and rural landscape paintings are heartfelt reflections inspired by the sights and sounds of places visited and imagined. From the beautiful beaches of the British coastline to the lush forests and fields near her home, and the vibrant energy of London and beyond, each location influences the work.

Kris loves exploring the shapes and colors, as well as the contours and lines found in these landscapes. Whether she’s creating representational pieces, diving into abstract elements, or blending the two, her goal is always the same: to capture the essence of a moment or place.

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 good grade. 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 spent a few years there before having to return home.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced mental health challenges, including a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder in my 30s. I have found that the solitude of one’s 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.

Along with the mood 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 my artworks. 

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

AWARDS

2024 DCArts prize, shortlisted – Best in show
2020 placed, Innovative art -American Art Awards
2019 placed, Pop art -American Art Awards
2017 Clairefontaine Award – The Artist Open
2017 The Artist exhibition Award – The Artist Open
2016 Derwent Award  –  The Artist Open
2016 2nd place, Innovative art – American Art Awards

EXHIBITIONS

SOLO ART EXHIBITION

2015
The Gherkin, London. Hosted by Swiss Re in support of Alzeimers society

 

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024
Dame Catherine Arts Summer Exhibition
Longlisted – VAA, Artist of the Year Award

2023
Bringing Artists into View – Worksop Library,
Open Studio
Longlisted – VAA, Visual Art Open

2019
CITYSCAPES, LONDON AND BEYOND
Lumi Arts

2018
The Artist Collection
Patchings Gallery.

2017
Charlfred Gallery, London
ING Discerning eye, Mall galleries, London
Thoresby gallery 21st Open
Open Studio, in association with Open Studios Notts
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”

2016
Focus Gallery Nottingham
Open Studio, in association with Open Studios Notts
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”

2015
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”
Rufford Courtyard Gallery,
Open Studio

2014
Thoresby Gallery 101
Patchings Exhibition “The Artist”
Thoresby Gallery open
Shortlisted for NOAC

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