Adrian Rigby
Adrian Rigby is one of the UK's Leading Realism Artists. He specialises in Wildlife including Equestrian, Aviation and Marine ArtAdrian Rigby was born in 1962 and grew up in Chorley, Lancashire. He studied Scientific Illustration at Blackpool College of Art (1979-1982) and having achieved top grades, was asked to return as a teacher the following year. However he decided to be a professional artist having mastered painting in oil, gouache & acrylic, concentrating on birds and mammals.
In 1996 Adrian Rigby swept the board at the annual show for ‘The Wildlife Art Society’ in London. He is the only wildlife artist to date, to take three top prizes including overall best in show. Adrian is a conservationist and firmly believes that all birds and animals have a personality which comes across in the way they live, and he is determined that their habitat should be preserved. Adrian is constantly pursuing higher standards of realism and accuracy. To achieve this he spends a great deal of time in the field collecting, observing and noting nature in all its moods and seasons.
Although wildlife art was his first love, his artistic talents have reached into other areas, he was asked by the Royal Air Forces Association and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to paint WWII planes commemorating the Battle of Britain 50th anniversary. These images were produced on Davenport Pottery Plaque and sold out on release.
One of his stunning paintings of the Titanic was the publisher’s biggest selling print that year and that led into his love and expertise of maritime paintings to which he has contributed significantly to the field of “America’s Cup” yacht racing.
Adrian Rigby’s work has one primary object, which is to transport the viewer to another time and place and feel that they are having a first hand experience of the view: a spitfire has to look ‘used and abused’ as it was: a working machine in combat. The Titanic must ‘cut’ through the water like the ‘heavyweight’ giant she was. The finished result should look like a piece of history, frozen in full colour for the viewer to examine in detail.
In recent years Adrian has turned his attention to the artist’s city, Venice. Taking into account his training and accomplishments to date we can see his technique beautifully transfers to this breath taking city. He creates lighting and atmosphere with such majesty as to transform the viewing into the scene itself. Whether a historical or modern day view of the city each piece is sure to capture the viewer.