It is with much sadness that we have to announce that the artist Andy Wood, RI, RBA, passed away on November 19 after a short illness.
He had been a resident in Rye since 2002. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife, Kate and his children, Arthur and Freya.
Andy was born in Porlock, Somerset in 1947. He spent his early years in Surrey. He studied art from 1965 to 1970 at Croydon and Newport Colleges of Art, where he gained degrees in fine art and film.
Having left college he had a variety of jobs before becoming a full time artist. Starting out as an assistant caretaker, he soon moved to become a stage electrician at the London Palladium. This was followed by a period living in Snowdonia, North Wales, designing programs and posters for pop concerts, followed by a year helping to build a children’s art centre, teaching arts and crafts and working in the “Theatre in Education” drama group in East Sussex.
In 1977, after a year at teacher training college, he moved to Dorset to concentrate on painting full time. While living in Charmouth, he joined the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service as a retained firefighter. This lasted until 2002. In 1996 he opened the Andy Wood Gallery in Lime Regis, showing his own work as well as that of his friends.
In 2002 and continued to develop his own unique painting style as well as becoming involved in the Royal Institute of Painters in water Colours (RI) and the Royal Society of British Artists. He was elected President of the RI in 2014.
Together with myself, as his co-curator and friend, he has organised major exhibitions by the RI and RBA at the Rye Art Gallery as well as an exhibition of his and my own paintings. Andy was an accomplished lecturer and gave talks to the Friends of Rye Art Gallery and the Tuesday Painters.
Andy’s paintings are of landscapes and seascapes, some with figures and buildings. This description does not do them justice, however, as the choice of subject and aesthetic treatment are highly individual. The finished paintings have a fine sense of control and detail and often display subtle narrative. His paintings are featured in collections all over the world.
Andy’s delicious sense of humour, love of live and dedication to his art will be greatly missed.
Photo: Liz Butt
A fitting tribute to a lovely guy who had a great sense of humour. It was a privelege to show twice with Andy and Andrew Blyth – Great times.
Andy was a very talented artist who will be greatly missed.
Beautiful words about such a talented man, who was loved by all his family and so sadly missed
Rest in peace my friend xx
Charlie long xx