Richard Harpum is an award-winning realist painter known for his meticulously rendered landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes, as well as still lifes, portraits, and floral compositions. Working primarily with acrylics on canvas or board, he also creates delicate watercolour florals. Light plays a central role in his compositions, and he invests significant time in crafting scenes that balance drama and contrast with technical precision.
Born in Bromley, England in 1951, Harpum discovered his passion for drawing and painting at an early age. A pivotal moment came when he received an oil painting set at the age of twelve, sparking what would become a lifelong dedication to art. He holds a Master of Arts degree from *Cambridge University* and has gone on to earn numerous accolades, including *Professional Artist of the Year 2012* from the *Society of All Artists (SAA)*. His work has been widely reproduced, particularly in jigsaw puzzles featuring his detailed and evocative imagery.
Harpum is a dedicated advocate of the golden ratio (Phi - 1:1.618), which he incorporates into many of his works to enhance balance and harmony, often preferring it over the traditional "rule of thirds." His compositional choices reflect a deep understanding of visual structure and a deliberate approach to spatial relationships.
Having lived in various parts of England as well as in Africa, the USA, Australia, and Germany over a span of twenty years, Harpum draws upon a broad cultural and environmental palette. Now based in South Yorkshire, he continues to find inspiration through travel and experience, grounding his artistic practice in observation, tradition, and a profound respect for the natural and built world.
Born in Bromley, England in 1951, Harpum discovered his passion for drawing and painting at an early age. A pivotal moment came when he received an oil painting set at the age of twelve, sparking what would become a lifelong dedication to art. He holds a Master of Arts degree from *Cambridge University* and has gone on to earn numerous accolades, including *Professional Artist of the Year 2012* from the *Society of All Artists (SAA)*. His work has been widely reproduced, particularly in jigsaw puzzles featuring his detailed and evocative imagery.
Harpum is a dedicated advocate of the golden ratio (Phi - 1:1.618), which he incorporates into many of his works to enhance balance and harmony, often preferring it over the traditional "rule of thirds." His compositional choices reflect a deep understanding of visual structure and a deliberate approach to spatial relationships.
Having lived in various parts of England as well as in Africa, the USA, Australia, and Germany over a span of twenty years, Harpum draws upon a broad cultural and environmental palette. Now based in South Yorkshire, he continues to find inspiration through travel and experience, grounding his artistic practice in observation, tradition, and a profound respect for the natural and built world.
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This review was published by Circle Foundation for the Arts © CFA Press ∙Images are courtesy of the artist