Ian Southwood uses his own photographs as a reference and information source. It's a practical way of focusing on a fragment of reality with all its random details. His subject matter has been varied, but almost always intrinsically static - like a still-life.

Cropping is important. Often subjects are presented flat-on, parallel to the picture plane to bring balance and symmetry. His painting technique includes applying paint with airbrushes. He aims to maintain and convey a convincing realism in his work.

Ian Southwood studied at Portsmouth College of Art, and post-grad at Chelsea School of Art.

His work has been included in exhibitions at galleries such as The Pulchri Studio in The Hague, Oxford Museum of Modern Art, The Royal Academy and The Mall Galleries in London. His work is in collections in the UK (London Transport Museum), Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, The Netherlands, the Middle East (National Museum of Oman), USA and Hong Kong.

www.iansouthwood.co.uk