Alex describes her distinctive
style as painterly realism; although her work is traditional in terms of subject and interpretation, the overall style and background establishes them
clearly as contemporary pieces. While she aims for realism and accuracy, her intention is never to create a photographic representation, but rather an
artist’s homage, with clearly visible brushstrokes and texture. After an expedition, Alex takes all the material she has gathered back to her studio and
works on the basic composition and outline. Then referring closely to her
photographs, she creates the finer details and mixes and hones the correct
shades. She paints exclusively in oils and always has done, loving the creamy
consistency of the paint and the depth of colour that can be achieved, then
finishes each piece with a gloss varnish.
Although she had no formal
training in art, Alex is the daughter of renowned wildlife artist Pip McGarry, and
spent her early life immersed in natural history and painting. Her father
offered guidance and advice, but most importantly, instilled a love of the
animal kingdom in his daughter. At nine years old he set her up with some
brushes and paints and her first ever painting was of a baby deer, setting the
tone for a future career as a wildlife artist early on.
Alex joined a local art society
and went on to pursue a successful career as an Interior Designer. She
continued to paint in her spare time and found that the pieces she was creating
were in great demand amongst family and friends. This gave her the confidence
to set up her own studio in Hampshire and fulfill a lifelong dream of being a
professional artist. Since then her paintings have been exhibited and sold in
galleries across the UK and we are delighted to add them to our portfolio.
Alex has won several
awards including best in show: chosen by the general public, at Mottisfont
Abbey, Hampshire from over 200 exhibits. She was crowned
winner of the prestigious Fine Art Trade Guild's national award for Up and
Coming Artist of the Year 2019, and in 2023 she was appointed Artist in Residence at The
Hawk Conservancy Trust which promotes education, protection and conservation of
birds of prey in the UK and abroad.
