Alison Friend

Occasionally we get the opportunity to work with an artist who manages to find a perfect synergy between their fine art skill, and a subject matter that truly engages and galvanises an audience. Working with Alison Friend has been an exciting journey, and we’re thrilled to present two of her original oil works in our first collection, along with a limited number of editioned prints from her sought-after recent releases.

A graduate of Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Fine Art and Printmaking. Alison was also the first female stonemason for the City of Nottingham. She is an accomplished children’s illustrator of over 20 published books to date — with notable publishers such as Harper Collins, Nosy Crow, Hodder Children’s, Templar, Usbourne, Little Tiger Press and most recently Alfred Knopf.

Alison is a British realist painter with a modernist vision. Her paintings are inspired by nature and her cheeky sense of humor. Dreamy delicate brush strokes abound every canvas where she captures the secret lives of animals. Every character comes to life on canvas whether having a lolly or a gin. She wants the viewer to participate in the creative process as she says “I start off with an idea for a character. I have lots in my head. It’s like a waiting room until it’s their time to come out! As strong as an idea for a character is, they do take on a life of their own. That’s what I love. I get to know them as the painting progresses.”

Alison’s original paintings are sold to collectors worldwide. She has exhibited her work through galleries in London, Scotland, Walsall. A list of upcoming exhibits include the British Art Fair at Saatchi Gallery, Context Miami, and Hashimoto Contemporary, LA.