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ABOUT PAUL

​​​​​​​​Born in 1969 in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, England Paul developed a passion for painting from an early age. Following five years of study in graphic design at art college, he established a successful career in graphics and sign design. Alongside his professional work, he continued to develop his skills as a painter, dedicating his spare time to the study and practice of watercolour.

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In 2007, Paul made the decision to pursue fine art painting professionally. Since then, his work has been exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions, with paintings finding their way into private and public collections both in the UK and internationally.

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Watercolour remains at the heart of Paul’s practice. He is drawn to the medium for its transparency, luminosity and fluidity, qualities which allow him to capture atmosphere, light and the ever-changing character of the natural world. His approach is both versatile and expressive, encompassing landscapes, seascapes, still life, wildlife and botanical subjects. Alongside watercolour, he works confidently in oil, acrylic, gouache, pastel and graphite.

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The landscapes of Northern Britain provide a constant source of inspiration. Paul’s work is particularly rooted in the Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines, where he responds to the distinctive character of the landscape and its changing moods, light and seasons. His travels also take him to the Lake District, Snowdonia, Cornwall and Scotland, where the dramatic scenery and coastal environment continue to inform his work.

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Paul’s paintings are recognised for their sensitive observation and strong sense of atmosphere, reflecting a deep appreciation of the British landscape and the beauty found within its quieter, more intimate moments.

His work has been widely reproduced, with more than 150 paintings published in print to date, and his original paintings are held in collections both nationally and abroad.

 

 

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Awards & Recognition

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Paul’s work has received national recognition throughout his career. In 2009, he reached the final of the SAA Artist of the Year International Art Competition, where his watercolour Autumn Leaves was Commended.

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In 2015, he was awarded the prestigious SAA Professional Artist of the Year title for his atmospheric painting Halifax Town Hall. That same year, Paul was selected to appear on Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year, painting at the National Trust’s Lyme Park in Cheshire. His involvement with the programme continued in 2016, when he was selected as a reserve artist and spent two days painting at Wray Castle in the Lake District.

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Alongside his own painting, Paul has built a strong reputation as an experienced tutor and demonstrator. He has taught watercolour classes and delivered demonstrations and workshops throughout the UK, sharing his knowledge, techniques and enthusiasm for the medium with artists of all abilities.

Paul gave a live watercolour demonstration for the SAA, featuring his award-winning Halifax Town Hall painting.

His career combines a passion for painting with a commitment to inspiring and encouraging others to explore the possibilities of watercolour.

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Photo of Paul painting Gibson Mill in Calderdale
Photo of Paul giving a lesson
Photo of Paul painting in his studio

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'Like the places he paints, Paul Dene Marlor's artworks represent a meeting place between the traditional and the contemporary. While they are classic examples of a long-established genre, their interpretation and execution place them firmly in today's era as they have life, movement and vitality.'

 

 

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