Collection: Ronald Hellen

Artist Bio

Ronald Hellen studied for a Diploma in Art and Design at Maidstone College of Art before completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Painting at the Royal Academy Schools. During this time, he was taught by notable artists including Edward Bawden and Peter Greenham, whose guidance helped shape his thoughtful and distinctive approach to painting.

Hellen’s work has been widely exhibited, including at the New English Art Club and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions. Further exhibitions include the Rye Society of Artists Summer Exhibitions, Halesworth Gallery in Suffolk, and group shows with the Royal Academy Schools East Anglia Group across Essex and Suffolk.

Artist Statement

My paintings are essentially about place and trying to capture the atmosphere peculiar to particular buildings, scenes or locations.  I like places such as follies, obelisks, ornamental parks and beach architecture - any of those structures that seem at odds with their surroundings.

I have always been drawn to coastal locations for my subjects to paint, due to both the atmosphere and the great number of unusual and often quirky buildings to be found there.  The coastlines of Suffolk, Sussex and Kent have, therefore, been a great source of inspiration to my work.

I admire, and have been influenced, by a number of artists - Christopher Wood, Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious and John Piper - but if I had to choose one artist whose work has been a constant source of pleasure and whose ideas and choice of subject matter appeals to me most, it would be Paul Nash.