Biography

Roy Aplin was born in Swanage, Dorset in the heart of the Purbeck which now forms part of the World Heritage "Jurassic Coastline".
He is a true man of Purbeck, always interested by it's countryside and combined with his great knowledge of ornithology formed a combination for his Artwork. Roy served a 5 year apprenticeship as a Carpenter and Joiner with a local builder. He has always painted from an early age and won numerous prizes for Art whilst at school. As his work became more well-known and commissions increased Roy took the decision to become self-employed in order to paint professionally. This he has done with great success and his work is collected worldwide.

Birds have, and always will be, Roy's favourite subject and being involved in Aviculture from a young boy has given him the opportunities to study birds very closely. Invitations to private collections and zoos have proved invaluable. He has the gift to retain information of the finest detail from feathering to the intricacy of a bird's eye and is then able to commence his work from a rough sketch ending in a beautifully completed rendering of a subject and background.

His interest in the countryside has resulted in him joining the Dorset Coppice Group where more information has been gained and used to further his artwork. Roy is passionate about Hedgelaying and has incorporated this countryside aspect in recently completed paintings. "To see a beautifully laid hedge is very inspiring and is, thank goodness, proving very popular in the English Countryside, creating extra habitat and nesting areas for our birds."

Roy regularly attends the British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water in Leicester every August and takes part in painting birds on the giant mural. He also attends various Rural Craft Fairs and Agricultural Shows throughout the year. His work has sold at Sotheby's Wildlife Art Auctions on numerous ocassions and work has also been dontated to raise funds for various Wildlife Trusts and Charity events. He has exhibited works at The Westminster Gallery London, The Booth Museum Brighton, Blacksheep Gallery near Chester, Chettle House Salisbury, The Northern Wildlife Annual Exhibition and Marwell Zoo Annual Art Exhibition. Roy's work has been used for book illustrations and front covers, also for calendars.

His Medium is Watercolour and Gouache. He has a selection of Original work, Pencil sketches, Limited Edition Prints and cards available for sale. Roy is completely self-taught.

Roy at Rutland Bird Fair