Ian Sidaway

Ian Sidaway is a renowned watercolour artist with a diverse artistic background. He grew up in a mining and clayworking community, which likely influenced his early artistic sensibilities.

Sidaway's formal education in art began with a foundation course at Nuneaton School of Art, followed by studies in graphic design at Twickenham College of Technology. After a brief stint in advertising, he shifted his focus to painting in the early 1970s.

Throughout his career, Sidaway has worked with various mediums, but he consistently returns to watercolour as his primary medium. His artistic journey has included periods of commissioned portrait work in the 1980s and book illustrations in the 1990s. He has also authored instructional art books and contributed to art magazines.

A significant milestone in Sidaway's career came in 2010 when he was elected as a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour (RI). This prestigious recognition underscores his mastery of the watercolour medium.

Was also elected as an Associate member of the Society of Graphic Fine Art (ASGFA) in 2024.

Sidaway's current work focuses on landscape subjects, both in the UK and abroad. His artistic process involves creating drawings and paintings on location, supplemented by photographs and written notes, with final pieces completed in the studio. His aim is not to produce photorealistic representations but rather to capture the essence of a place through strong composition, design, and solid draughtsmanship.

Throughout his career, Sidaway has exhibited in London, at various galleries accross the UK and USA and has also shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. He has also led painting courses in Tuscany and Venice, sharing his expertise with aspiring artists.