Often referred to as “neo-romantic,” Fairchild’s art is at once mysterious and yet accessible. It is wholly unique and yet grounded in many artistic styles.
My early career was spent as an illustrator. At first, I enjoyed the challenge of tight deadlines, and the changes in style to suit the needs of the client—anything from cartoons to technical illustration. As I grew older, however, I became increasingly frustrated by the skipping from one style to another. I found that I needed to find a style that I could spend time on, to develop and grow. In short, like most artists, I needed to find my own voice.
Roy Fairchild-Woodard, a British artist born in 1953, draws inspiration from the Renaissance painters. His artistic vision is deeply influenced by their techniques, which he studies during visits to Italy, focusing on frescoes, tapestries, and paintings. Fairchild-Woodard’s work reflects the sumptuousness of the past, with rich surfaces that incorporate elements like fabrics and flowers. He even uses plaster as a base for his acrylic and oil over-painting, reminiscent of ancient frescoes. After gaining financial security, he transitioned from commercial illustrations to full-time painting and printmaking under his family name, Fairchild. His figure drawings often find expression through etchings
