Ray Balkwill, SWAc is a well-known West Country artist whose watercolours, oils and mixed media paintings are much sought after. Born in Exeter in 1948, he graduated from Exeter College of Art, thereafter making a career in advertising as an Art Director. In 1990 demand for his paintings led him to give up his job to become a professional artist.

He has held numerous successful solo exhibitions, as well as showing in group and open exhibitions. These include the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Royal West of England Academy and South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts. He also runs painting courses in Essex, Cornwall and from his studio in Devon. He is a regular contributor to art magazines and is also author of seven books: 'Travelling Light' (Halsgrove) 'Watercolour Plus' (David & Charles), 'Ray Balkwill's Exe Estuary' (Halsgrove), 'Learn to Paint Coastal Landscapes' (Collins), 'Painting Landscapes with Atmosphere' (David & Charles), 'A Picture of Devon' (Halsgrove). and 'A Picture of Cornwall' (Halsgrove). His work also features in a number of other books and magazines including 'International Artist', 'Australian Artist' and 'Pastel Artist International'.

Ray has made two art instruction films with APV - 'Capturing Estuary Moods' and 'Capturing Coastal Moods'. His paintings can be found in private collections and galleries all over the country as well as abroad. In 2006 he was elected an Academician in the South West Academy and was a member of the St Ives Society of Artists from 1999 - 2018.

NEWS UPDATE - Latest Book & DVD

For signed copies of the latest book 'Travelling Light - The Sketches and Paintings of Ray Balkwill' and DVD 'Capturing Coastal Moods' visit Shop page.

"Ray is known as a mixed media artist and he works like a conductor bringing in the various parts of the orchestra to provide tone, shade and colour, highlighting the violins here, backing them up with woodwinds and cellos, adding colour with the brass and then using tympani to bring the whole thing to a crescendo. I should also say that Ray not only makes this look the most natural thing in the world, but also easy. It isn't, of course, and it's his supreme confidence and virtuosity that allow him to achieve what he does."