About Me

I have been a practising professional artist most of my life. I had a painting accepted by the Royal Academy at the age of 15. A year later this was followed by my first solo exhibition. I have continued to paint in all media. After several years of working in Architecture, I returned to my first love of painting. I have always explored, challenged and pushed the boundaries of my chosen media; nowhere more than in the elusive spirit of watercolour. 

Exhibitions

Solo shows in Germany,Sweden, the Czech Republic and Kuwait followed and an instructional film on watercolour painting “The Magic of watercolour flowers” by APV films.

https://www.apvfilms.com/paul-riley

In 1990 I had a sell out show at the prestigious Chris Beetles Gallery in London. 

Representation

In the UK I am represented by my son Mark Riley. Paintings may be viewed at Coombe Gallery 20 Foss St Dartmouth TQ6 9DR and online at www.coombegallery.com. Work may also be viewed at my home and studio by appointment. lara@coombefarmstudios.com

If you wish to know the price of any image please contact me through my contact page.

Life & Changes

In 1979 I moved to Devon where I set up my own Art Centre with my wife Tina. At home, in my own studio, I continue to experiment and innovate.  I finally realised a long held dream to visit Japan. I saw, at first hand, the masters whose work had so influenced me and got a sense of their culture. The month long visit changed my whole approach to my work which is now more meditative.

“My watercolour painting is inspired by the Oriental traditions of Zen painting. The technique follows the principles of the way in which the brush is manipulated. Each stroke results in a specific form and texture. My compositions also follow a more Zen approach with spaces of blank paper counterbalancing the visual content.

I am particularly interested in abstracting the landscape in which I live. Here I can explore nature’s textures and form. The purpose of the Zen approach to painting is to stimulate the viewer’s mind so that it requires meditation for the messages to be read.”

I am hugely indebted to talented filmmaker Owen Tozer and producer Lara Lloyd (my daughter) for the short film below which may give you a greater insight into my world and work.