Robin Hazlewood RI NDD FRSA
Robin Hazlewood, born in Meriden, Warwickshire, in 1944, is a distinguished artist known for his evocative watercolours. He studied at Coventry College of Art and pursued postgraduate studies at Liverpool College of Art. Over the years, Hazlewood has held several prominent academic positions, including Head of Putney School of Art, Dean of Sir John Cass Faculty of Art & Design at City of London Polytechnic, and Vice Provost of London Guildhall University. In 1994, he was made Freeman of the City of London and Freeman of the Goldsmith’s Livery Company.
Hazlewood was elected a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour (RI) in 2002, serving as Honorary Treasurer from 2004 and as Vice President from 2017 to 2024.
Stimulated by the landscapes of France and England, Hazlewood’s work focuses on capturing the colour, light, space, and emotional impact of his surroundings rather than the objects themselves. His goal is to translate the sensations that inspire him into visual equivalents in paint. Over time, his work has become increasingly abstract, striving to reach the essence of visual excitement.
Hazlewood prefers watercolour for its flexibility and combines it with white gouache to achieve the opacity he desires. While he initially worked directly in the landscape, he now primarily works in the studio, relying on photographs, colour notes, and written observations. He typically has multiple paintings in progress, choosing to work on the one that resonates most with him on any given day.
Hazlewood’s innovative approach and dedication to his craft have made him a respected figure in the art world, and his abstracted landscapes continue to captivate and inspire viewers.