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Martyn Harris brings over four decades of artistic experience to every canvas. His journey as a painter has been marked by a deep commitment to capturing the essence of the natural world through expressive brushwork and rich texture, always remaining empathetic to his subjects.

His distinctive style draws inspiration directly from nature, whether he's working en plein air to capture a fleeting landscape or sitting with a portrait subject to reveal their character through careful observation and skilled technique.

As a young artist, Martyn had the privilege of being mentored by W.R. Jennings, a respected international landscape artist. Under Jennings' guidance, Martyn developed his distinctive painting style and refined his approach to capturing the subtleties of light, atmosphere, and emotion in his work. This formative relationship shaped not only his technical skills but also his understanding of the deeper connections between artist, subject, and viewer that make truly compelling artwork.

Awards

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award

National Portrait Gallery

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025

2025
🥉 Third Place

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award - National Portrait Gallery

The Smallwood Architects Prize

Royal Society of Portrait Painters

Annual Exhibition at The Mall Galleries

2023
🌟 Special Recognition

The Smallwood Architects Prize - Royal Society of Portrait Painters

Third Place Prize

RBSA

Drawing Prize 2023

2023
🥉 Third Place

Sponsored by Judd Medical

Highly Commended

Birmingham Art Circle

2022
🎖️ Honorable Mention

Highly Commended - Birmingham Art Circle

Professional Artist of the Year

SAA

2020
🥇 First Place

Professional Artist of the Year - SAA

Martyn is a resident artist at The Art Yard and holds membership in several prestigious organizations including Associate of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) and Member of the Birmingham Art Circle. His work has been exhibited at some of the most prestigious venues in the art world, including the Royal Society of Portrait Painters at the Mall Galleries and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

In 2023, Martyn received the prestigious "Smallwood Architects Prize" for Contextual Portraiture at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. This recognition highlights his exceptional ability to capture not just the physical likeness of his subjects, but their relationship to their environment and context.

Martyn exhibits his work through independent galleries and has pieces in private collections throughout the UK and internationally. Each painting represents not just technical skill, but a deep connection to the subject and a commitment to honest, expressive representation.His collectors appreciate the authenticity and emotional depth that comes from decades of dedicated practice and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.

With painting of Paul