Artistic Practice
Luke’s primary practice is influenced by his passion for history and uncovering the stories of the past. Inspired by the traditions of the Baroque through to the romantic eras, his richly narrative work sets out to transport the viewer directly into a moment in time in which a scene plays out. By adopting the History Painting and Genre Painting genres and reviving techniques of the old masters, Luke crafts traditional oil paintings that resonate from a contemporary perspective. His story telling engages viewers to appreciate both history and our relationship to it.
Luke is also fascinated by a sense of intimacy to history felt when viewing the physical gestures left visible and immediate in historic art. Luke aims to visualize this emotional response in his work. His paintings bring the past into a perpetual moment in which in which we watch these gestures play out, and watch the artist place the brush stroke.
Luke also takes commissioned work, being a skilled portraitist and animal artist.
Biography
Luke took up painting at the age of 19 after joining the Foundation Course in Fine Art at Hull College. He then continued his studies, beginning a BA degree in Fine Art at Hull College, and completing the course at the University of Lincoln. During his studies he discovered his admiration for art of the Baroque period and academic painters who’s focus on narrative and historical themes revealed to him the the power of art in storytelling and intimately connecting us to the past.
Luke exhibited in his first exhibition at The Ferens Open Exhibition, Winning the Hallet and Future Ferens Young Artist Award with his painting ‘The 9th symphony’. The next year he entered again with two paintings, ‘304 Holloway Road’ and ‘A Starry Night in Saint-Remys’ which the Peoples Vote Award.
Luke has featured in numerous media publications including Hull Live and The Hull Story Newspapers.
