Nigel Humphries

The former IN:SIGHT finalist is passionate about revolutionising the way we view still-life painting, and draws upon his childhood for inspiration. He hopes to spread happiness through his work and admires artists such as Norman Rockwell, Alex Ross and Arthur Rackham.

For each piece, he sets up a miniature theatre stage with crumpled paper for the backdrop and the star of the show lit up in the centre. The initial layout is outlined on the canvas in willow charcoal before oil paint is applied onto a fine-grain linen canvas panel, which allows him to capture details.

Nigel says: “Nostalgia is a driving influence in all of my work. Being self-taught, I have studied many artists – particularly the techniques of the Old Masters, which I have adapted to suit my own way of working.”