Collection: Ron Freeman

Ron Freeman was born in 1951 in Chatham, Kent. He has moved around since then and his home and studio are now in Tenterden, Kent. He has been painting, drawing and making sculpture all his life. 
At the age of 39 he decided to become more serious about his passion and did courses in Painting and Sculpture. From 1996 – 2001 he gained a BA degree in Fine Art and from 2001 – 2003 an MA in Fine Art at Canterbury University. 
From 2005 – 2013 he taught Painting and Drawing and Life Drawing at Adult Education at various places. Since then, although occasionally teaching privately, he’s been concentrating on his own work – Painting and Sculpture.
With reference to his painting, he loves watercolour but mainly works with oil on canvas or board. His work has been exhibited in many group shows and he’s had regular one man exhibitions. His work is in public and private collections nationally and internationally. The next one man exhibition will be at The Horsebridge Art Gallery, Whitstable in September 2025.

Artist Statement

My studio work is the result of process. Some would say that the work is about process but for me there’s more to it than that. These works endeavour to relay feelings through the visual senses. I have initial ideas and move them forward. Invariably the painting leads the way. With the painting I search for significance, like a musician who is improvising and is one with their instrument. I’m an explorer rather than an illustrator, for me this method is far more exciting, meaningful and rewarding.
My paintings depict subliminal information that is open to individual interpretation. I won’t say what they mean to me because I wouldn’t want to trespass on your daydreams.
How do I make art?
See the World
Imagine
Create.
Sometimes, I make a work by using built up glazes, i.e. layer over layer of transparent pigment. This process can take a long time as I have to respect the various drying times of different colours. Sometimes, I prefer to work ala prima (the complete opposite strategy) mixing directly on the painting surface, (not on a pallet) because this produces beautiful and interesting interplays. Here, a painting is finished in one session. I rarely combine the two methods. For me, a painting is finished when it becomes significant and starts to do something. I’m interested in the effects of oscillation and vibration by use of colour and tone.

I see paintings as windows to another world. This place could be light years deep and/or on the surface.
I paint because I’m an Artist, that’s who I am, on a mission trying to make sense of things. I pick up a pencil or a brush and I’m that little boy again; the true me, the person I’ve always been. Painting can reach for something spiritual, ineffable. It’s a continual journey to the horizon. I paint for myself but when others understand and appreciate the work, this is wonderful.