Following his training in technical graphics, Spain established his own print studio in Kent, where he worked primarily in etching. A methodical and precise process, etching demands control, discipline and careful planning. Eventually, Spain made the decision to become a full-time painter. In contrast to his technical background, working in oils gave him the freedom to take risks and manipulate the medium instinctively. This tension between precision and spontaneity remains central to his creative approach today.

Spain’s technical background gives him the confidence and control to paint with precision, while his experience as a painter has taught him when to step back and allow the paint to take over.

Light is one of the most fundamental elements of Spain’s work. Transformative in its role, light can alter the mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact of a scene while giving his subjects depth and presence. As the artist puts it, “The light gives everything form.” Movement is equally important, particularly within his figurative paintings. Subtle gestures, flowing fabrics and carefully considered poses create a dramatic, cinematic atmosphere, helping to convey the essence and character of the figure rather than simply capturing a static pose.

Alongside his figurative work, Spain began exploring equestrian subjects around six years ago. Inspired by his childhood in the countryside, where his father and uncle owned a livery yard, horses and their environment were a familiar part of his early life. This longstanding connection has become an important influence on his artistic practice. The equestrian series also presented a new technical challenge, particularly when capturing the anatomy, movement and energy of a horse convincingly. Spain uses photographic references to establish accurate anatomy and movement, before transforming these observations through his expressive approach to oil painting.

Defined by movement, light, energy, and expressive paint, Spain’s process begins with photographic references. Polo players and horses provide the foundation for his equestrian series, while models are the starting point for his figurative paintings.

His process unfolds in two distinct stages. After establishing the initial form, Spain sets the canvas aside for several weeks while the paint dries. Returning to the work with fresh eyes allows him to assess the painting more objectively and identify areas that require further development.

In the second stage, Spain reworks the surface using scrapers alongside his characteristic expressive brushwork. He embraces what he describes as “happy accidents”, allowing unexpected marks and gestures to become part of the finished work. This process creates the distinctive balance between creative freedom and technical control that defines his paintings.

The tension within Spain’s work is what makes it so distinctive: technically accomplished yet never overly controlled, energetic yet sophisticated, and carefully considered while remaining unmistakably human.