Part of the New Light Prize Exhibition 2020

Neil Helyard is a talented draughtsman, whose work focuses on portraiture and the human and living form drawing influences from Auerbach, Egon Shiele and the Italian Renaissance period.

Born in Beverley, East Yorkshire in 1951, Neil always had a passion for art. Whilst working as an art tutor and mentor, he pursued this passion, establishing himself for his variety of portrait styles and for executing his work in both a classical and contemporary manner whilst working in various mediums. This varying style and medium, together with Neil's use of colour, creates a dramatic, exciting and unexpected effect.

"I need to satisfy my own creativity. A lot of artists only paint in one style, however for me, my style, whether it be classical, contemporary or expressive, depends very much on how I feel."