artists register

Dan Wheatley

Dan Wheatley

Dan Wheatley

Paint, Sculpture, Drawing, Installation

Devon
United Kingdom

Websites


Galleries

  • Imagianation Gallery, St. Ives
  • Imagianation Gallery, Bath
  • own studio open to public, Totnes
Still Life Bottles

Still Life Bottles

Oil on canvas

Introduction

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Statement

Dan Wheatley is a freelance Artist working mainly in the West Country and South West areas of England.

In 2000, artist Dan Wheatley came to public attention with his trompe l’oeil mural paintings in Totnes and Kingsbridge area. He also was known for his involvement as a student of one of the south wests most reknowned artist and painters Robert  Lenkiewicz. Dan was mentored by the painter in the last few years of his life. For more information, read his section in the book publication ‘Lenkiewicz Reconsidered – Perspectives in conflict’. 

He studied Lucian Freud’s techniques at Tate Britain’s basement studios during his retrospective in 2004 and was a finalist for ‘Not the Turner Prize’ during the same year. He went on to gain a first in Fine Art BA (hons) at Plymouth University, won the Ben Heartley FIne Art award for outstanding work and then went on to get a PGCE at master’s level 7, leading into a career lecturing in Art alonhgside his personal work. He has been a course leader in Art and Design in Plymouths South West Art Warehouse and currently part time lectures in Art at Weston College, in Painting and Drawing at Strode College and is the Making Change Course Leader at the Arts University Plymouth.

Much work is often reflecting and inspired by direct demonstration within some of his lecturing work. It reflects a deep fascination within the art of Caravaggio, Turner, along with painting and portraiture of the past, along with contemporary experimentations.
He describes himself as “a Fine Artist who specialises in oil painting and observational drawing, having roots in Classicism, and exploring contemporary takes and methods working with old master paintings. At times attempting to address issues of faith, prayer, the eternal question of life in the context of death, and iconography within our lives today”. He often works with a traditional approach to oil painting and drawing and has also explored this combined with experimental film and sound work; mixing film and two dimensional oil painting on canvas, exploring and progressing the possibilities of this fusion.

 

Biography

I studied under the late Robert Lenkiewicz 2000-02, was a finalist of 'Not the Turner Prize' 2004, and studied Lucian Freud's techniques in Tate Britain's basement studios during the period of his retrospective in 2002. I also spent time working closely with my friend, the late painter Anthony Amos. Within my studies in the University of Plymouth, I focused on developing my understanding of how visual language works in our culture whilst experimenting and developing the possibilities of mixed media work. I graduated with a First Class Degree and won the Ben Hartley Fine Art Award for outstanding work. I also achieved a PGCE at masters level 7.

At present alongside my painting, I lecture part time in Art at Weston College, in Painting and Drawing at Strode College and I am the Making Change Course Leader at Arts University Plymouth. I also continue to further my own artistic developments within painting, sculpture and mixed media. I have worked as a self employed freelance artist, with over 20 years of business experience. Within this I specialise mainly in oil painting, portraiture and mural work which often includes Trompe l'oeil. I can be contacted on 07773770625 for more information about commissions.

Exhibitions and Prizes

2023 

Solo Show - Retrospective of 30 years of my work - CTSWskills Gallery Space

2020

The Cavendish Renaissance, Babbacome, Torbay

2019

Lenkiewicz and supporting artists, Bitton House Teignmouth, curated by Reuben Lenkiewicz.

Cariads 1st Floor Exhibition Space, Totnes (ongoing)

2018

Cariads 1st Floor, Totnes

2017-13

Open studio Exhibitions along with St ives and Bath Imagianations galleries

2016

South West Art Warehouse, Plymouth

2013

Art Mill Summer Show, Plymouth

'Trompe l'oeil' Plymouth City Centre

2012

Plymouth University Degree Show

Awarded the Ben Heartley Fine Art Prize for outstanding work

Continuous group exhibitions within commercial galleries in St Ives, Totnes and Dartmouth, also Plymouth and Honiton.

The Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London

The Ark Gallery

2011

‘Phases of Transition’ – Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University

‘Drawing Exhibition’- Gallery 101, Plymouth University

‘News from Nowhere’- Royal William Yard, Plymouth

Old Angel Studio open to public for summer show

Continuous combined exhibitions within commercial galleries in Dartmouth, St Ives, Totnes and Honiton.

2009

‘Reflections on Berlin’ 101, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University

2004

‘Not the Turner Prize’- the Mall Galleries, London

Solo show - Birdwood Gallery, Totnes

Totnes Open Studios

2003

Totnes Open Studios

2002

Solo show- Sherwell Centre, Plymouth University

Solo show - Birdwood Gallery, Totnes

Totnes Open Studio

2001- 2000

 Totnes studio open to public