Gillian Roberts is a British painter known for sublime marine oil paintings filled with freshness, vitality and a very honest sense of observation. She paints en plein air whenever possible, often completing entire works on site using a box easel or pochade box. When needed, she returns to the same spot over several days. Her brushwork is confident, minimal and accurate, especially in busy street scenes where figures are captured with just a few strokes yet feel perfectly true in gait and form.
She lives in Yorkshire, and much of her subject matter comes from her home region. Marine scenes, musicians, Venice and children’s portraits have all been part of her work. Recently she has explored shipbuilding subjects. Even when the weather or light feels a bit unsertain, she keeps painting outdoors. Small misstakes in texture or detail only add charm and honesty. Her paintings have a distinctive quality that makes them instantly recognizable.
Gillian was elected Associate Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 2014. She has exhibited widely, including RSMA Annual Exhibitions in 2015 and 2016, solo shows at Lotherton Hall Leeds and Walker Galleries, and many group exhibitions across the UK. She has also received the Daler Rowney Award at the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition.
“Her paintings ooze freshness and vitality.”
- British marine painter known for plein air work with fresh, confident brushstrokes
- Based in Yorkshire, painting marine subjects, interiors, still lifes and lively street scenes
- Associate Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists with numerous exhibitions and awards
Soft light moves across open water,
holding calm in a gentle sway.
A quiet shore becomes a voice,
painted warm in the coastal day.
Gillian Roberts Painting
