Draft:Lucy Pittaway

Lucy Pittaway
Lucy Pittaway is an award-winning British artist known for her vibrant and colourful artwork. She has received recognition in the art community for her distinctive style, which often features picturesque landscapes and sheep characters.

Early Life and Education
Lucy Pittaway was born in Stockton-on-Tees, UK, and is the daughter of Willie Maddren, a renowned footballer and manager. Willie Maddren had a distinguished career as a central defender for Middlesbrough FC, making 293 league appearances from 1968 to 1979. He was also part of the England U23 team before his career was cut short by a knee injury. After retiring as a player, Maddren transitioned to management, leading Middlesbrough from 1984 to 1986. He worked alongside notable figures like Jack Charlton and Malcolm Allison during his time with the club.

Influenced by her father's creative approach to life, Lucy developed a passion for art from an early age. She pursued formal education in the arts, earning a degree in Graphic Design from Northumbria University. After graduation, Lucy worked as a designer and then as a lecturer at Darlington College of Technology. Seeking broader horizons, she left her teaching position at the age of 30 to travel and teach in South America, including a significant period in Peru. This diverse background and rich life experience deeply influence her artistic work today.

In her professional journey, Lucy has drawn inspiration from many aspects of her life, including her father's legacy and her own personal experiences. Her vibrant and imaginative pieces often reflect her unique perspective and artistic talent.

Career
Lucy Pittaway's artistic career began to flourish after she completed her education at Northumbria University with a degree in Graphic Design and spent time lecturing at Darlington College of Arts. Her love for art led her to travel the world and teach in South America before settling down back in the UK. It was upon her return and the start of her family life that Pittaway's artistry truly began to take shape, drawing inspiration from her experiences and the Yorkshire countryside.

Pittaway was honoured as the 'Up & Coming Artist of the Year' in 2016 by the Fine Art Trade Guild. Her commitment to art and her unique style soon garnered further recognition, and she went on to win 'Best Art Website of the Year 2017'. Subsequently, Pittaway has held the prestigious title of 'UK's Most Popular Published Artist' since 2018, an accolade she has won multiple times, including in 2022.

Her role as the official artist for the Tour de Yorkshire for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018 allowed her to release commemorative pieces in partnership with Welcome to Yorkshire, highlighting the event with a series of prints that celebrated the iconic landscapes of the race routes. In 2019, she released a cycling collection for the UCI Road World Championships, capturing the essence of the competition with five pieces that reflected the determination of the riders.

Pittaway has expanded her reach beyond just art pieces, opening her first gallery in Brompton-on-Swale in 2015. The success of this gallery led to the opening of others in Richmond and Yarm in subsequent years, and further flagship galleries in Keswick and Harrogate by 2021 and 2022, respectively. Her galleries not only showcase her original works but also offer Giclee prints, canvases, and a range of homeware and gifts.

Lucy Pittaway now has a total of 6 Galleries including; York, Richmond, Brompton-on-Swale, Harrogate, Keswick and Yarm.

In a significant commission, Pittaway was asked to create an original piece for HRH Princess Anne in 2019. This artwork, titled 'It’s a Wonderful Life', was a tribute to the Yorkshire Dales and symbolised the natural beauty of the region.

Lucy Pittaway's art continues to resonate with a wide audience, bringing joy and colour through her depictions of rural life and beyond. Her work is a testament to her vision and her ability to capture the hearts of art lovers across the nation and beyond.

Artistic Style and Recognition
Lucy Pittaway's style is characterised by a bright palette of colours, cheeky sheep, and a unique creative process that defines her pastel artwork. Her work frequently captures the beauty of the Yorkshire landscape, rendered through her distinctive perspective and imaginative approach​​.

Lucy Pittaway has garnered several prestigious awards throughout her career. She was named 'Up and Coming Artist of the Year' in 2016 and received the accolade for 'Best Art Website of the Year' in 2017. Since 2018, she has held the esteemed title of 'UK's Most Popular Published Artist,' reflecting her significant impact on contemporary British art​​.

Personal Life
Lucy Pittaway, an award-winning artist based in Yorkshire, balances her successful art career with a fulfilling family life. She is married to Neil, with whom she has twins. Their journey together, including their marriage and family life, often serves as inspiration for her artwork​​.

Lucy has a passion for the outdoors, often spending weekends with her family engaging in activities like cycling, walking in the Lake District, and paddleboarding. She also enjoys quiet family time, emphasising the importance of balance between her professional and personal life​​.

Additionally, Lucy values experiences over material possessions and treasures moments with her family and friends. Her love for travel has taken her to various parts of the world, and she dreams of visiting Rio de Janeiro and the Maldives​​.