Kerry Darlington
Introduction
Kerry Darlington, a visionary Welsh artist born in the windswept coastal haven of Rhyl in 1974, enchants with her opulent mixed-media tableaux that fuse ethereal figures with lush, enchanted realms, drawing from the whispers of fairy tales to craft portals of wonder. Remarkably, her distinctive 'embellished' editions—where intricate layers of gold leaf, glittering pigments, and hand-applied jewels bloom across the canvas—elevate each print into a bespoke jewel, transforming static narratives into tactile symphonies that shimmer and shift with the light, revealing hidden facets of magic with every tilt.
Mastering acrylics, oils, and bespoke adornments with exquisite finesse, Darlington conjures dreamscapes alive with verdant foliage, mythical beings, and nostalgic reveries, where trees cradle secrets and figures dance in harmonious reverie. Her compositions, brimming with intricate patterns and radiant palettes, evoke the spellbinding allure of forgotten lore, inviting beholders to wander paths where imagination unfurls like petals in perpetual bloom.
From her earliest sketches to her celebrated masterpieces, Darlington's vision pulses with unbridled enchantment. Her creations, woven with delicate whimsy and profound storytelling, serve as luminous invitations, proving that the threads of myth can mend the mundane with strokes of pure delight.
Biography
Born: Rhyl, North Wales, UK
Kerry Darlington was born in 1974 in Rhyl, North Wales. Her early interest in art stemmed from a childhood surrounded by fairy tale picture books, particularly the detailed pen and ink illustrations of Arthur Rackham, which sparked her fascination with intricate line work and fantastical narratives.
She pursued this passion by enrolling in a degree programme in illustration at university, graduating in 1996 with aspirations to illustrate children's books. During her studies, she encountered the works of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the Art Nouveau movement, including artists such as Gustav Klimt, whose influence on organic forms and decorative elements began to shape her evolving style.
After graduation, Darlington worked as a freelance illustrator, specialising in pen and ink drawings for book covers and commissions. She later expanded into watercolours and mixed media, including acrylics, oils, and resin. In 2005 and 2006, she developed her 'Volcanic' collection, inspired by satellite images of Earth's landscapes, marking a shift towards abstract interpretations of nature.
Around 2011, Darlington transitioned to self-employment by selling her abstract nature-themed works online via eBay. Within a year, her pieces attracted attention from galleries and publishing agents, leading to wider distribution. This period saw her move towards more figurative and narrative-driven compositions, drawing on classic fairy tales such as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and The Wizard of Oz, as well as Welsh folklore.
She now operates from a studio in Prestatyn, North Wales, where she produces original paintings and limited-edition prints. Her career has grown steadily, supported by collaborations with UK fine art publishers, and she maintains a focus on themes of mythology, legend, and environmental motifs, often incorporating textured embellishments like gold leaf and 3D elements.
Achievements
Kerry Darlington’s extraordinary accomplishments in the artistic sphere include:
- Graduating with a degree in illustration in 1996, laying the groundwork for a career that blossomed from freelance designs to internationally acclaimed originals
- Being named the UK's Best-Selling Published Artist in both 2012 and 2014 by the Fine Art Trade Guild, a testament to the fervent demand for her unique editions
- Earning a finalist spot in 2007 for Best Up-and-Coming Published Artist at the Fine Art Trade Guild Awards, as determined by robust sales across UK galleries
- Captivating global collectors with sold-out releases like her 'Midnight Garden' and 'Mad Hatter Tea Party' unique prints, which swiftly gained premium value on the secondary market
New Release
New Release
Kerry Darlington
Second Star To The Right And Straight On Til Morning
Regular price £1,314.00Unit price /Unavailable
