David Boardman

David Boardman: An Artist’s Journey

David Boardman was born in Leicester in 1973 but spent his formative years in Northumberland. From an early age, David displayed a passion for drawing and painting, inheriting his artistic skills from his grandfather, William Ellis, a renowned painter from Cheshire, known for his landscapes and nautical scenes.

David’s formal education in the arts began at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne College, where he completed an Art and Design foundation course, honing his painting and design skills and cultivating a passion for modern art. He went on to study illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University, earning his degree in 1995.

Upon graduating, he initially pursued a successful career in commercial illustration before deciding to focus on fine art. His dedication to his craft led to his first solo exhibition in 2004, and he has since exhibited in galleries across the UK, including the prestigious Biscuit Factory in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne His work, often compared to the vibrant and dynamic styles of artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, has consistently garnered praise and introduced his art to a wider audience.

In 2023, David was a finalist in the British Art Prize, organized by Artist & Illustrators Magazine, and participated in the BAP exhibition at the OXO Gallery in London. His shortlisted piece, “Los Gallos ll,” a vibrant depiction of Flamenco dancers, drew inspiration from Cubism and Picasso, reflecting his fascination with modern art and expressive movement. David’s use of bold colours and fragmented forms also echoes the work of Juan Gris, further aligning his style with the Cubist tradition.

David has also undertaken numerous commissions, including a major piece for Lola Cars International at their Cambridgeshire headquarters. Aside from art, David’s other great passion is music. Over the years, he has played guitar and sung with several bands, including his current Americana band, Fine Lines, featuring BBC radio presenter Mark Radcliffe. David has shared the stage with renowned acts such as Elton John, Kiefer Sutherland, Bob Geldof, and Texas. He also teaches guitar at Cheadle Hulme High School.

His journey as an artist is a testament to his dedication and passion for creative expression, drawing parallels with the works of great Cubist artists while forging his unique path.

Distinguishing elements:

David’s work often features abstract shapes and forms, blending figuration with abstraction. His use of geometric shapes is prominent. He was deeply influenced by colour theory, and his works are known for their vibrant and varied use of colour to express mood and emotion. David’s use of line is distinctive, often creating intricate and whimsical patterns. His compositions frequently feature a clear, structured arrangement of elements and are rich in symbolic content, often drawing on music. He also used symbols to convey complex concepts and emotions.

David experimented with depictions of movement and used materials like oil paint and ink to achieve these effects. While not strictly adhering to any single movement, David’s work was influenced by both Surrealism and Expressionism, evident in his use of fantastical imagery and emotional intensity. His artworks often depict fragmented figures and compositions , reflecting his imaginative approach to art.

These elements combine to create a unique, instantly recognizable style that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.