My first painting to sell (2016) and my latest commission (2024)

I sold my first original in 2019 which I think was painted in 2016. I had taken a four year break after graduating from illustration in 2012. I was searching for what sort of artist I was. I had painted deadlines in a sort of a conveyer belt fashion, and needed time to find myself again as an artist

. This painting of the patchwork wolf as I have fondly dubbed it (otherwise untitled - way to identify it) first started life as another painting altogether. While thinking which direction to take the painting, I began to see the wolf emerge and it didn’t take much adjustment to coax them out.
I actually broke the rules with this one. The oil had been drying for over six years and I used acrylic over the top and left patches of the oil remaining, that is what gives it this weird but striking look. It has found a good home with lovely acquaintances of mine who discovered I paint via my Facebook page..

Patchwork wolf 2016, sold in 2019, 24 × 30 inch acrylic and oil on canvas by artist Chris Shopland (me)

I gain inspiration from things I see, conversations I have, from life and my inner world. “Inner and outer landscapes” is the name of my solo show happening Feb 7th -12th 2025 at Centrespace Gallery details TBC. these are some photos while out walking my dog.

I recently got commissioned by an engineering company through upfest to paint a large 2 x 1 metre canvas of the Bristol suspension bridge view from the gorge by create centre. I totally forgot to take proper well lit final shots which I will be capturing this week when its installed in their meeting room. I do have these dark image I’ve tweaked a little (see below). However a lot of the process was filmed, along with my thoughts spoken to camera. It was a real undertaking and conquering self doubt to get there. All the while I was wondering if I had taken too much on but I think you’ll agree it turned out awesome, and more importantly the client was happy, they came to see it in person because this photo is rather dark compared to the vivid colours the actual painting depicts .

The video can be watched here

if I have enough footage there will be a part two video with some more behind the scene footage and the painting being installed

Reflecting on my journey from that very first painting to where I am now, it's exciting to see how far I’ve come—though there's still so much to learn, as there always will be. My dream is to have more of my art find good homes, especially through online sales. However, I always hope that the paintings look even better in person than they do on a screen. Photos never quite capture the depth of the layers and textures. It's a lot like seeing a Jackson Pollock in person—up close, it’s almost like a sculpture, with paint rising off the canvas. While I consider myself more attracted to the likes of Dali or Van Gogh, seeing Pollock’s work in person helped me appreciate it on a whole new level.

The difference between personal work and commissions. When I work on personal pieces, I lose myself in the flow, trying to convey emotions and respond to life, attempting to encapsulate it all on canvas. Commissions, on the other hand, are more about showcasing my artistic abilities and challenging myself to bring someone else's vision to life. It is more of a puzzle to put together, and while it shares that flow state, it certainly has these other elements to it. Usually this pushes me to create some of my best work, figuring it out. The more visual content I have for direction and inspiration, the better. This was the case with the commission of the suspension bridge, the brief was to create something abstract and stylised, but still recognisable as that view. The focal point is the bridge and the surrounding houses, the rest quite loose and drippy

What made this commission particularly special was that the client loved it as it was—no changes requested. That’s rare in my experience, as most clients usually ask for adjustments. It was an exercise in trusting myself and letting go. Even though it was a commission, I found a deep connection in pushing paint around, as I always do. Ultimately, it reminded me of why I love painting so much.