Meet the Rode Heath artist whose work is in King Charles III's private collection
By Deborah Bowyer 21st Jan 2024
Cold freezing weather and snow is not everyone's cup of tea but for celebrated Rode Heath artist, Rob Pointon, it's a chance to capture a new moment in time.
Every weather condition presents a different artistic opportunity for Rob - whether it be blazing sunshine, thick fog or several inches of snow.
For come rain or shine, the talented artist, who was awarded the top prize at the Royal Drawing School in London, is out with his easel and paint.
Indeed, earlier this week he was spotted in nearby Sandbach capturing local scenes in the snow as part of his January challenge to complete one painting a day.
"So far, I've achieved this and I'm enjoying the challenge," said Rob, who often travels to Manchester to capture local scenes as well as other parts of the country.
"My grandmother, Molly Pointon who was also an artist, inspired me to start painting. She was a water colour artist based in Blythe Bridge where I grew up.
"I learnt a lot from her," said Rob who went on to get a first-class honours degree in fine art from Aberystwyth University.
Painting 'en plein air', Rob is best known for his large-scale perspectives and takes on various scenes.
Rob has a successful art business with galleries in Manchester, London and Wales and is ably helped to run the business by his wife, Karen.
Years ago, and before having their daughter, the couple bought and lived on a narrowboat which saw Rob's work extend on to the canal network, painting scenes from their travels.
A residency at Manchester Airport saw him painting the Great Wall of China amongst other places but nearer to home, he is also known for something with a royal connection.
Rob was commissioned to do an oil painting to commemorate 100 years of the federation of Stoke-on-Trent's six towns.
The 24-foot oil painting was unveiled in the Council Chamber by none other than the then HRH The Prince of Wales.
Actor and TV presenter Nick Hancock is a fan of Rob's work as well as the late footballing legend, Gordon Banks.
It's fair to say Rob's work and royal connections extend far beyond Stoke-on-Trent. A reputation for capturing live formal events secured a residency with the Household Calvary Mounted Regiment.
His work is held in the private collection of King Charles III and it also hangs at Admiral's House at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and Weston Park, Shropshire.
Rob has painted many royal events, including Trooping of the Colour, but there is one which sticks in his mind - the Queen's funeral and her lying-in-state.
"That's probably the highlight of my career to date and I'm honoured to have captured it and been there."
Rob spent many hours painting the scene, as people queued up for the lying-in-state and his work, like all the intricate paintings he does, captured the occasion for years to come.
So what's Rob's advice for a 'plein air' artist? Ensure you're dressed for the weather, whether it be thermals, two coats and fingerless gloves or a sun hat and sun cream and of course an easel!
Rob Pointon's work can be viewed on his Facebook page here , his website here or Instagram X – rob_pointon
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