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Rosemary Burn

British Contemporary Figurative Painter. Portraits, landscapes, still life. Included in notable exhibitions and collections in the UK and worldwide. Commissions welcome

 News and Reviews

News and Reviews

Art for both large and smaller homes

Studio picture

Studio picture

This is my studio which is comparatively small, hence the need to work on manageable sized pieces. Many (thought not all) of the paintings are on synthetic board because this material is much less likely than canvas to become damaged in transit, and they are sent to many destinations around the world. My paintings are bought by collectors with large impressive homes, as well as those with less space and they are adaptable to any kind of room. The still life works sit well in kitchens, as well as contemplative spaces such as studies, and the larger landscapes and cityscapes are suitable for general living areas.

The Royal Society of Portrait Artists Critical Writing Prize - my submission didn’t make the top 3 finalists, but it was put on the reserve list should one of them not submit their essay.

2025 - Boiling Point, selected for the Wales Contemporary touring exhibition, starting at Chelsea Barracks, and moving to The Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven.

Best Art Awards - my Birthday Cake received 1 of 6 honourable mention awards.

So far shortlisted for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibition 2025

 

Reviews from notable collectors:

Film makers Isabelle and Colin Trevorrow

It has been such a privilege to be able to acquire a few pieces from Rosemary and I’m so grateful I was able to catch them before someone else surely would. Every piece has a special place in my heart. The “Box of Pastels” is such a lovely addition to my kids room, they loved it right away which is not always the case when I bring forward a new piece of Art.
“Cream Tea” adds a colorful touch to my kitchen and always gets a lot of compliments as it looks just like the real thing. I also enjoy more muted pieces like “Dandelion” and “Headlights” that are just splendid while remaining simple.
Last but not least, “Meditation” seems to have been painted to portray our beloved Bengal cat so I could not let that one pass me by.
I am always keeping an eye on Rosemary’s work as I know she will always surprise me with a new painting I will be keen to add to my wish list.

Paula Zwaggerman and Dana Carvey.

My husband and I commissioned a large landscape painting from Rosemary of a quiet bay near our Northern California home. She captured the stillness and tranquility of the area beautifully and we treasure it. We love our paintings and the one we commissioned which hangs over our living room fireplace gives us all enormous pleasure

Connie Bjella, US

What a captivating painting! Is she a birdwatcher? A super spy? A contemplator of atmospheric phenomena? The possibilities send my imagination spinning in a new direction every time I look at it. But that's just the surface interest. On a deeper level, and what I love most about it, is that the figure is outwardly focused. In this insanely narcissistic age of selfies and phone-screen zombies, it's such a relief to see someone feeding their mind and spirit by actively engaging with the world around them...experiencing the real thing, rather than merely consuming some social-media version of life. Rosemary Burn's art gives me hope that humanity hasn't entirely handed over its soul...yet. Thank you, Rosemary! (A note to those who are curious: The painting referenced here is called "The world through binoculars," and you can still see it on Rosemary Burn's page here on Artfinder.)

This is the second painting I've purchased from Rosemary, and I think I've figured out what it is that I like so much about her work. You know how the art world is always going on about the "human condition" but it tends to reserve its praise for the most disturbing or the most triumphant depictions? Well, Rosemary paints the aspects of the human condition that I relate to most...a more grounded version of our shared experience. Take this painting called "Keys." At first, I couldn't figure out why I found it so compelling. Then I realized it was because this simple set of keys, the kind everyone carries pretty much everywhere on the planet, is a tangible symbol of the anchors and important connections of your life. Maybe this key is one that you only use once a year to feed your neighbor's cat while they're on holiday. But this other key is your freedom to get away from intolerable situations. And this one, this one you hope you never actually have to use. I absolutely love how this painting resonates with me. Don't hesitate to buy Rosemary's work...you won't regret it (and you'll be absolutely stunned by how fast the package gets to you).

Zandra Rhodes

Handing the two finished portraits to Zandra Rhodes, to be included in her privater collection. What an honour and a privilege to have met, and painted this incredible icon.

 

My lovely visit to paint the iconic fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, who kindly agreed to pose for me to paint her portrait

 

Angela’s scarf, longlisted for the Women in Art Emerging Art Prize

 

Condensation, ING Discerning Eye 23 exhibition, Mall Galleries London

Cake Counter, shortlisted for the 10th edition Art Gemini prize 2023, shown at the finalists’ exhibition, Zari Gallery London

 

Amazon Delivery - SOLD at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2023

 

23 Raindrops, Runner up in the 7th International Landscape Competition, Teravarna Gallery Los Angeles

 

Frozen shoal, exhibited at the Royal Society of Marine Artists 2022, Mall Galleries, London, and again in 2023 at the Open Gallery, Halifax

Four paintings at the International Art Fair Paris 2022

 
 
 
 
Selected Events and Exhibitions

Selected Events and Exhibitions

Landscapes, gardens

Landscapes, gardens

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