David Hardy – Creating Atmosphere Trough Simplicity

David Hardy is an artist based in West Wales, whose work is heavily influenced by the beautiful Cambrian Mountains he calls home. After studying Fine Art Printmaking at Winchester School of Art and working as a graphic designer for the Royal Society of Arts and London College of Fashion, David moved to Hastings to focus on his painting and photography. Now, his practice takes cues from his rural surroundings and his works focus in particular on the depth, tone, and texture of the natural landscape.

David’s paintings are as much about the process of creating a piece as the end result. He is careful to avoid simply painting a view of an existing place, with the works instead acting as a means of connecting him to the land he paints.

Minimalist Art by David Hardy
CE:, 2022, Acrylic & chalk paint on cotton canvas, 21 x 26cm / 41.5 x 26.5cm / 51 x 36.5cm © The Artist
Minimalist Art by David Hardy
Out of The Blue, 2019, Acrylic on cotton-duck © The Artist

The artist uses a reduced palette to create simple, yet emotive works: “I want my paintings to show simplicity and struggle at the same time. I paint to represent a feeling or capture an atmosphere or create atmosphere. What I don’t want is to simply create another view of an existing place. The aim is to create a feeling that resonates with the viewer, whatever that may be.”

David Hardy is a master of observation and interpretation, showing us the beauty of the Welsh landscape through the lens of his art. His minimalist artworks capture the essence of the environment he lives in, transporting us to a world of emotion and atmosphere.

David Hardy’s artworks are available through the NCA Gallery, Cornwall, Partnership Editions, and Modern Art Hire, London.

I want my paintings to show simplicity and struggle at the same time. I paint to represent a feeling or capture an atmosphere or create atmosphere.

Minimalist Art by David Hardy
High Ground, 2020, Mixed media on cotton canvas / Mixed media on linen, 24 x 30cm © The Artist
Minimalist Art by David Hardy
Delicate Landscape, 2021, Acrylic on cotton canvas, 50 x 40cm © The Artist
Minimalist Art by David Hardy
Winter, 2019, Oil, acrylic & graphite on cotton canvas, 24 x 30cm / 52 x 42cm © The Artist
Minimalist Art by David Hardy
Winter, 2019, Oil, acrylic & graphite on cotton canvas, 24 x 30cm / 52 x 42cm © The Artist
Minimalist Art by David Hardy
CE :, 2022, Acrylic & chalk paint on cotton canvas, 21 x 26cm / 41.5 x 26.5cm / 51 x 36.5cm © The Artist

Aesence is an independent art and design publication dedicated to minimalist aesthetics. Founded out of a deep appreciation and fascination, Aesence strives to be an inspiring, informative and truly useful resource for its readers.