Simon Garrow is one of the top contemporary painters of the 20th century. For over 50 years, he has painted an extensive range of dynamic, often humourous, vibrant paintings that are always imaginative and innovative.
At the age of 11, Simon won an award for a drawing of his mother and at 13 won an art scholarship to Bradfield College, in Berkshire.
For seven years, which he describes as blissful, he studied painting at the Byam Shaw Art school, and under William Scott and Edward Bawden at The Royal Academy Schools, London.
Simon’s talents extend to illustration, poetry and music. He has composed the music and lyrics for a musical ‘Set for Life’ based on a sequel to his children’s book ‘The Amazing Adventure of Dan the Pawn’. He has also written a several hymns and songs.
Simon is married to Gertrude and has two daughters, Tabitha and Lydia and four grandchildren.
Media: Oil, Watercolour, Acrylic and Collage.
Highly prized, Simon’s paintings are sought after internationally. His paintings are sold at Christies and Sotherby’s auction houses in the United Kingdom, Whytes in Ireland and to private collectors. He has had numerous commissions including those from The Victoria and Albert Museum and The National Trust. His paintings have a variety of styles ranging from abstract, still life to invented social scenes.
Here, slaves to convention from theatre audiences to pub scenes and dinner parties, this selected race of humans with its shallowness, richness, vulnerability, pride and pretension are lucidly portrayed in a variety of settings. The breadth of his expressiveness in paint displays a distinctive versatility, energy and mischievousness. Each vibrant work exhibits a strength and calmness, that evokes the storytelling of Bruegel, the humour of Daumier and the timelessness of Chardin.
Exhibitions
Simon has exhibited his work worldwide including Minories, Royal Academy, Royal College of Art, Sally Hunter, New Grafton Gallery, Luxtors Art Centre, Holland Gallery, England and Co, The Gallery Reigate, Frederick Gallery, Dublin.
His best selling book, The Amazing Adventure of Dan the Pawn, which he wrote and illustrated was published by Batsford in the U.K and Simon and Schuster in the States.
Simon also illustrated the entire AtoZeasy Reading System and has combined his artistic, musical and creative talents to produce animated teaching films.
Simon’s hobbies include sport and music and he played the oboe and CorAnglais in a semi-professional capacity and has played with orchestras such as The Royal Opera House Orchestra, The Brent Symphony Orchestra, The East Surrey Symphony Orchestra and The Fulham Municipal Orchestra. He writes, composes and arranges music, has acted, written and directed his own plays.
He has taught art, English at Sussex House in the UK and has run drama workshops in UK and at Kinaird College in Pakistan.
Biblical Paintings
In 1998, Simon had a revolutionary experience, which he states changed his worldview. He discovered that over 2000 Biblical prophecies had been fulfilled in detail and more that 300 related to Jesus.
Liberated and convinced that the Bible was the inspired word of God, he devoured the scriptures. This study led to the painting a number of Biblical paintings including ‘The Last Supper’ and the ‘Washing of the Disciples Feet’ by Jesus’.
Simon’s paintings have been sold at Christies in the UK and Whites in Ireland. He has also been commissioned by the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Trust and has fulfilled numerous private contracts.
Services
Artwork
Art Direction
Writing