Gary Bunt is one of the most beloved artists working in Britain today. With his instantly recognisable, quintessentially British charm his paintings and sculptures have found an audience across the world. There is an abounding sense of peace and calm to the artist’s work – recalling a world now largely lost – but the greatest sentiment is without doubt the unbridled joy that shines out from his canvases. Bunt is an artist that truly loves to paint. It is the thing that motivates him each day, heading out to his sacred ‘shed’ (his name for the studio in his garden). Not a day goes by when painting is not foremost on his mind.

 

Born in East Peckham in 1957, Bunt draws inspiration from a rich array of sources. In particular he looks to the great canons of Modern British art, and his unique painterly style draws on the work of artists such as Alfred Wallis, Christopher Wood and Winifred Nicholson. Yet his subject matter is wholly his own. His paintings embody the everyman – quite literally with the central character of Bert and his dog that features in many of his works. Initially drawn as his father, Bert has, over the passage of time come to represent the artist himself. Travelling through the countryside via the many villages and farmyards, fishing the fast rushing rivers and strolling on the windswept beaches, Bert takes us on a very British journey, with the scenes and landscapes reminiscent of many of our youths.

Faith plays a pivotal role for Bunt, and his visionary religious approach – reminiscent of that of the great Stanley Spencer – is visible in much of his work. In some he reimagines scenes from the Bible unfolding in his local surroundings, Jesus appearing amongst the rolling Sussex hills. His faith is approachable through his paintings and sculptures, and in 2020 his interpretations of stories from the New Testament travelled the breadth of Britain’s cathedrals. 

 

Another stream that dominates his work is the artist’s passion for twentieth-century British art, and his paintings and sculpture often draw parallels with the most popular painters of the past century. In 2021 he completed a series of twelve tribute paintings celebrating the work of the artists that have inspired him. Showcasing the artist’s great technical ability and understanding they allow the viewer a brief glimmer into his artistic mindset.

 

In an age when contemporary artists come and go, Gary Bunt’s work looks to stand the test of time. Highly accomplished, passionate and accessible, he rightly holds his place as one of the most successful and sought-after artists working in Britain today.

AWARDS:

1964      My Yellow Book for good conduct and helpfulness

1965      Tunbridge Wells Recorder Festival

1967      20 yards Swimming Certificate – Doggy paddle

1968      Cycling Proficiency

1970/1   Gold Award for House points

1972      Mr Howard, 6 strokes

1977      Awarded caution for possession of cannabis

1978      3 points for speeding

1983      Wedding Certificate (No1)

1983      Son 7lb, 12oz

1986      Decree Nisi

1987      Absolute discharge from Bankruptcy

1989      Wedding Certificate (No 2)

1994      Daughter 6lb, 2oz

2001      Reiki Master

2003     Baptism and Confirmation Certificate

2005     Parking Ticket Tonbridge & Malling District Council

2006     Granddaughter Poppy weighed in at 5lbs 6ozs

2007     Received membership card to Saga

2013      Granddaughter Iris Lydia weighed in at 7lbs 7ozs

2014      Awarded Silver medal for endurance - 25 years of marriage

2015      Recipient of first grey hairs

2016      Became Patron of local Knitting and Natter club

2017      New Shed

2017      Member of Over Sixties Friendship group

2018      Gold Card Holder Millbrook Garden Centre 

2018      Junior membership - Thursday (Glitter & Glue) Craft Group

2018      New Chapel 

2020     Mole catcher/whisperer

2022      Covid vaccine 

EXHIBITIONS:

FORTHCOMING


2025     Saatchi Gallery, London


PREVIOUS


2024    The Gardener Who Went To Heaven

2023     Saatchi Gallery The Simple Things

2022     The Creation

2022     Rooms With A View


2022     Portland Gallery The Man Who Found God

2021      Portland Gallery Modern British Tribute Paintings

2021      Portland Gallery Seeds, Sea and Snow

2020     Portland Gallery Country Life

2020     Cathedral Tour – Liverpool, Ely, Winchester, Ripon and London

2019      Portland Gallery Sentimental Journey

2017      Portland Gallery A Man for all Seasons

2016      Portland Gallery By The Grace of God

2016      Portland Gallery

2015      Portland Gallery

2013      Portland Gallery

2012      Portland Gallery

2010      Portland Gallery

2009     Portland Gallery (Art London)

2009     Portland Gallery

2008     Portland Gallery (Art London)

Share by: