Paul critchley artist biography

Since leaving art college in 1982 Paul Critchley has exhibited internationally in more than 30 individual shows, 9 two-man shows, numerous art fairs and over 180 group shows. He left Britain in 1985 for adventure and inspiration - and to avoid falling into the circle of school-college-school, he has since lived in West Berlin, France, Italy, Holland, Spain, the USA and even in Moscow and Vladikavkaz in Russia, painting throughout.

For more than half his life he has lived amongst people whose language is not his own - this self imposed isolation could be a reason why his paintings have a certain quirkiness - but painting, like music, does not need a translator.

His surroundings have always inspired his work whether the dark, brooding Soviet atmosphere in his Russian series; the Hitchcock like unease of interiors with subtle lighting, muted colours and distorted perspectives; the fascination with the mediterranean light which etches the eyes with its brightness or the mountain landsca