Iain Faulkner

Iain Faulkner is a Scottish figurative painter known for his powerful, contemplative imagery that explores moments of solitude and emotional stillness. Born in Glasgow in 1973, Faulkner grew up and was educated in the city, cultivating an early passion for art that led him to graduate from the prestigious Glasgow School of Art in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fine Art. Unlike many of his contemporaries who pursued conceptual or contemporary trends, Faulkner chose to follow the demanding and traditional path of figurative painting, placing strong emphasis on draughtsmanship, painterly skills, and tonal control.

Faulkner's work is distinguished by its mastery of chiaroscuro-the dramatic contrast of light and shadow-to create striking visual impact. His paintings rarely rely on narrative but rather on mood and atmosphere, portraying calm, introspective moments and intimate yet emotionally detached figures. These young, self-engrossed characters often appear in formal poses, reinforcing a sense of melancholy and reflection. The subtle tension between light and darkness in his compositions heightens their emotional resonance and invites viewers into a quiet, contemplative space.

The themes that permeate Faulkner's paintings revolve around stillness and solitude. Everyday scenes are transformed into moments of inner reflection through his careful manipulation of tone and light, imbuing his work with a timeless, almost meditative quality. This is further emphasized by his choice of restrained palettes and precise, controlled brushwork, revealing a deep respect for classical painting techniques.

In addition to his oil paintings, Faulkner is also an accomplished draughtsman. His charcoal drawings showcase his exceptional skill in drawing and tonal control, offering insight into his meticulous creative process. Through these works, viewers can see the layers peeled back beneath his paintings, highlighting his dedication to craft and the importance he places on drawing as a foundational element of his practice.

Faulkner's career has been marked by considerable success. By the age of twenty-nine, he had already exhibited multiple solo shows in London and New York, with his last four exhibitions selling out-clear evidence of the public's appreciation and strong interest in his work. His paintings have been collected by private patrons internationally and have featured in important galleries known for championing contemporary figurative painting.

Though his practice embraces traditional techniques, Faulkner's approach is far from nostalgic. Instead, he creates a compelling dialogue between classical skill and contemporary sensibility, exploring timeless human emotions in a modern context. Based in Glasgow, he continues to live and work in his native Scotland, contributing to the vibrant Scottish art scene while maintaining a growing international profile.

Faulkner remains committed to the challenging discipline of figurative painting in an era often dominated by conceptual art, consistently demonstrating that technical mastery combined with emotional subtlety can produce deeply affecting work. His paintings invite the viewer not just to observe but to engage with moments of quiet introspection and complex human experience.

Detour

Detour

£695.00

NY View

NY View

£549.00

London Evening