TRENT GALLERIES TO WELCOME KRIS HARDY THIS SEPTEMBER - AND YOU ARE INVITED, SAYS DAVID TUTE

Here in Beverley, we know of an artist who manages to capture the movement and majesty of the sleekest of motor vehicles, as well as conveying the scale and grandeur of the World’s most iconic cities, and often the specific architecture within them. We are lucky enough to be hosting an event with this man in September, as highlighted in the accompanying advert. To celebrate this upcoming event, we thought it important to share some of his inspirations and ambitions when it comes to his
striking statement pieces.
After studying Photography, Kris Hardy graduated with a 1st class honours degree in Vehicle Design, then going on to gain a masters at the Royal College of Art. After working for some highprofile vehicle design studios including Lotus, Kris decided to take up the paint brush full time, becoming a professional artist some 15 years ago. Fast forward to 2019 and his bold canvas’ can be found in galleries and homes all over the Country; his name becoming more well known and his creations becoming more sought-after.
Kris’s parents often visit Trent Galleries on Butcher Row and share stories of his early inspirations. Growing up in Nottingham, his early life was surrounded by interesting architecture. He remembers witnessing the demolition of some council flats; even though they were unsightly and uninhabitable 1960s buildings, the bold, geometric graphic they created against the skyline intrigued him even at the age of eight.
Kris has always taken a closer look at the soft romantic elements of a cityscape, and how these contrast to the more harsh,
monolithic scale of buildings. His work echoes the combination of bold, strong lines and blocks of tone with softer foliage or
organic architecture.
Amongst other things, he is influenced by urban art and graffiti, paintings and artists from the renaissance period, contemporary culture, illustration, expressionism and photography. These inspirations and passions can be clearly
seen in his work; the instantly recognizable steels of the Eiffel Tower, the slick curves of the iconic Aston Martin DB5, or the imposing skyline of skyscrapers that we all fall in love with when see New York... Regardless of the subject matter, Kris has a distinct and unique style which he can shape large canvas’ into perfect statement pieces for any home. Painting in oil, watercolour and acrylic on canvas, Kris’s work consists of soft pastel tones combined with sharp, bold ‘nearly
blacks’ and deep purples.
Now residing in nearby Gilberdyke, our Event in September marks his first visit to the Gallery. As one of our more local portfolio artists, we truly hope you will be able to make it to meet the man behind these brilliant contemporary artworks and
explore his unique style. Kris would love to meet you, and we would love to see you! Until then...