Following the passing of David Hockney, a local artist is hoping his creations, inspired by Yorkshire’s stunning scenery, will connect with visitors.

Samuel Sharp, who works as a community pharmacist, is showcasing his paintings at the Bradford Literature Festival. He also has a workshop and presentation arranged.

His display builds upon his publication The Long Look. It features six expansive works examining the shifting illumination and seasonal changes throughout Yorkshire.

It has been an extraordinary year

Mr Sharp explained that his creations respond directly to the beauty of the regional countryside, produced through careful observation.

He noted it had been an extraordinary year of managing a demanding community pharmacy role, a young family, and a quickly expanding art enterprise, including a significant new licensing agreement that has expanded his work nationally.

A primary source of inspiration for Mr Sharp is David Hockney, whose method of perceiving and documenting the world strongly aligns with his own philosophy.

A camera merely records a still moment

Mr Sharp stated that experiencing Yorkshire’s countryside makes Hockney’s impact unavoidable.

He explained that, similar to Hockney, he considers a camera to be merely a recording device that captures a static instant but lacks the ability to truly perceive or retain memories.

He has embraced the principle of the extended observation.

Rather than simply photographing a location, he returns repeatedly, occasionally four or five times, to grasp how the lighting transforms and how the environment feels.

During the festival, the artist is also giving a presentation examining Hockney’s impact and his personal methods for landscape art.

Additionally, he is running an iPad Painting Workshop, where he introduces members of the public to digital methods for portraying countryside scenes.

Mr Sharp mentioned that his main aim for this display is to establish a peaceful space amid the hectic atmosphere of the festival.

He hopes to offer attendees, who may be hurrying between activities with their own concerns, an opportunity to pause and experience a moment of quiet contemplation.

Displaying work publicly feels exposing yet fulfilling

He mentioned that presenting his pieces openly feels exposed but ultimately worthwhile.

He observed that a solo show resembles sharing personal reflections.

Taking raw, private moments, frequently captured during attempts to unwind after exhausting NHS shifts, and presenting them in a public setting represents a daunting but ultimately satisfying progression.

His presentation is set for Tuesday, July 7 at midday in the Festival Hub located in Centenary Square.

His six substantial artworks are currently exhibited in the Festival Hub.