Nia MacKeown AROI
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Nia is a professional painter from Pembrokeshire who currently resides in Cardiff. Her art is deeply rooted in the varied landscapes of South Wales, and frequently encompasses still lifes and interiors.
Her path to professional painting was not straight forward. Initially Nia pursued art in college and was accepted to university in London. However, before fully committing to painting she pursued a career in midwifery for six years, all the while continuing to develop her painting and life drawing skills. Now as a full-time painter, Nia’s observational works offer viewers a glimpse into her world marked by an appreciation for the natural interplay of light and colour.
Working predominantly in oils, Nia often begins with small studies particularly when painting outdoors. These initial works serve as a foundation for her studio work where she explores themes more broadly. Her aim is to capture the essence of her subject with spontaneity and freshness.
Past accolades include selection to the prestigious Royal Institute of Oil Painters exhibition and New English Art Club exhibition on numerous occasions. Selection for the Royal West Academy exhibition, the Wales Contemporary, and the Artists Magazine open competition where she gained two awards for her work.
Artist Statement
Though my subject matter can vary from landscapes to still life or interiors, a common theme running through my work is a focus on light and colour. I often paint from life, especially “en plein air” as I enjoy the fluid and vibrant results that often arise when working out in nature. I strive to capture the essence of the scene with immediacy and spontaneity before the light or weather conditions change. My immediate surroundings and imagery of everyday life are constant sources of inspiration which I seek to celebrate in my work.
Exhibitions & Awards
2024 Solo Exhibition at Plas Glyn Y Weddw, LLyn Peninsula, N Wales. October.
2023 Associate Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, December.
2023 Small Painting Prize, ROI, Mall Galleries, London, November.
2023 Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London, November.
2023 Wales Contemporary Open Exhibition, Waterfront Galley, October.
2023 Lion Street Gallery, Hay on Wye. Mixed Exhibition.
2023 New English Art Club Exhibition, Mall Galleries London, June.
2023 Plas Glyn Y Weddw Summer Exhibition. N Wales. July.
2023 Albany Gallery Summer Show, Cardiff. 28th July – 9th September.
2023 Workshop Wales Gallery, Pembrokeshire, Mixed Exhibition. March – October.
2022 Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London. 24th Nov – 10th Dec.
2022 Act One: Part Two, 99 Projects London. 16th – 26th November.
2022 Act One, NoHo Showrooms, London. 5th – 10th September.
2022 Art for Charity Collective, Unit 1 Gallery Workshop, London 21st June – 30th June.
2022 New English Art Club, Mall Galleries, London. April.
2022 Albany Gallery, Exhibition alongside Colin Carruthers and Claire Lovell, 8th July – 30thJuly.
2022 Nadia Waterfield Gallery, Spring Show, 23rd April – 14th May.
2022 The Gallery Holt, Euphoria Exhibition, 23rd April – 21st May.
2021 Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London.
2021 Albany Gallery, Winter Exhibition.
2021 Nadia Waterfield Gallery, Autumn Exhibition.
2021 Pro Arte Award, TALP.
2021 The Artist Exhibition Award, TALP.
2021 The Artist and Leasure Painter Open Exhibition, Patchings Art Centre.
2021 New English Art Club, Mall Galleries, London.
2021 Plas Glyn y Weddw, Summer Exhibition.
2021 Albany Gallery, Summer Exhibition.
2021 Nadia Waterfield Gallery, Spring Show April.
2021 Albany Gallery, Winter Show Jan.
2020 Bath Society of Artists, Victoria Gallery online exhibition, 2nd Nov – 3rd Jan.
2020 Wales Contemporary Open Exhibition, Waterfront Gallery 6th – 26th Nov, Gallery @OXO 25 Feb – 7th March.
2020 Plas Glyn Y Weddw, Summer show, July.
2020 Workshop Wales Gallery, Summer.
2020 Albany Gallery, Summer show, July.
2020 Kooywood Gallery, Mixed Exhibition, March.
2020 Kooywood Gallery, Mixed show, January.
2019 Royal Institute of Oil Painters Exhibition, Mall Galleries. 27th Nov – 8th Dec.
2019 Kooywood Gallery, Exhibition alongside sculptors Helen Sinclair and Ben Jones, 7th November.
2019 Highly commended at Bristol plein air paint off.
2019 Wales Contemporary Open Exhibition, Waterfront Gallery 4th-30th Oct, Mall Galleries 5th-10th Nov.
2019 RWA open exhibition.
2019 The Lion Street Gallery.
2019 The Artist Patchings Open Competition, Patchings Art Centre, July 11th – August 11th
2019 Long-listed for Jacksons Open Painting Prize.
2019 Workshop Wales Gallery, Pembrokeshire, April 12.
2019 Emerging Artist Award Exhibition, Creates Gallery 7th Feb.
2018 Kooywood Gallery Cardiff, Dec 5th, Mixed show.
2018 Kooywood Gallery, Aug 9th 2018 Mixed show.
2018 Workshop Wales Gallery, 2018 Mixed show.
2017 Workshop Wales Gallery, 2017 Mixed show.
2017 Albany Gallery, Cardiff, 2017, Christmas Exhibition.
2016 Workshop Wales Gallery, Pembrokeshire Mixed show.
2015 Workshop Wales Gallery, Pembrokeshire Mixed show.
2014 West Wales Art Centre, Pembrokeshire.
