Visual Artist | United Kingdom
Simon Royer is an artist with a love of natural history and the environment. Self taught he works in a variety of media, including oils, acrylic paints and sculpture.
From the earliest fine art paintings depicting accurately realistic representations of birds, to the ethereal, atmospheric quality of the beach scenes, all works depict the almost physical, tactile relationship we have with our world. More often than not Royer’s works contain a story, whether it be an illustration of the Darwinian concept of survival, a visual exploration of the behavioural habits of certain species or a critique of mankind’s depletion of the planet’s natural resources, his interest and concern with the environment is overriding. Royer’s intuitive portrayal of his subject matter and the striking vitality apparent in all his artworks has brought him many admirers and collectors.
Simon Royer’s primary medium is oil painting. He takes inspiration from the natural world, particularly marine and aquatic environments, and is fascinated by species, ecologies and habitats. Royer executes his oil paintings with a finely tuned application of detail, layers and glazes. Though his paintings are notable for their perfect finish, he continues to experiment with the technical application of paint as well as composition and subject matter. While maintaining clear formal rules, he strives for a balance between realism and abstraction. Royer often chooses compositions – such as a storm surge or a trio of diving ducks - where the subject matter is arranged in unexpected and dynamic (though faithfully representational) patterns and abstractions.
Accordingly, his artistic inspirations include Ray Harris-Ching, John Singer Sargent and JMW Turner. Alongside Royer’s meticulous craftsmanship, a sense of playfulness and humour frequently accompanies a more serious intent.
Royer has had solo exhibitions in London, Denver and Brighton and has works hanging in both private and corporate collections worldwide, including Cine Aqua-Aquarium Paris.
He has exhibited work in the Royal Society of Oil Painters (2012) and the Royal Society of Marine Artists (2012-18) Annual Exhibitions at the Mall Galleries in London.
Royer was a finalist in the BBC Wildlife Exhibition in 2013 and exhibited in the David Shepherd Wildlife Art Exhibition in 2014 and 2015. He currently has his own studio near Brecon.