Duncan Palmar RSMA

I have always held a strong passion for painting and drawing from a young age. I took a leap of faith and followed my dream of becoming a professional painter at nineteen, holding my first solo exhibition within the year.

Spending many family holidays in the South West of England, particularly Devon and Cornwall has provided me with ever-growing inspiration for my work.

The beauty of the environment and the quality of light are an irresistible pull for me to return time and time again.

This inspires me to produce evocative paintings capturing the changing moods of different seasons and different times of the day and the movement of the sea in its diverse moods, rhythms and space.

Working in oils from sketches and photographs I try to capture light, texture and atmosphere in my landscapes and coastal scenes. I also focus on the small details, for example, giving the effect of damp seaweed on a harbour wall or reflections of clouds on wet sand.

I feel very privileged to paint every day and continue to discover new subject matter, through visiting new parts of the country around our beautiful coast, which is so varied.”

I have participated in numerous solo and shared exhibitions including the Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries. I have undertaken many commissions including, three for the Armed Forces and two commemorative millennium commissions.

I was commissioned by the AA for over 10 years to paint the four award-winning hotels and guest houses in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales each year. My work has also been commissioned to appear on the front cover of Country Life on two occasions.

I have lived in Surrey for over 30 years.