Rex Preston British Artist

Rex Preston was born in Birmingham in 1948 and is widely regarded as one of Britain's leading landscape painters. His passion for art developed at an early age and led to his acceptance at Newcastle-under-Lyme School of Art before continuing his studies at Derby College of Art. Following his formal training, Rex initially worked as a designer in Derby, but his growing success as a painter encouraged him to pursue a full-time career as an artist at the age of twenty-one. More than five decades later, he continues to be celebrated for his distinctive and highly atmospheric landscape paintings.

Inspired by the changing moods of the natural world, Rex Preston has developed a unique semi-abstract style that balances observation, memory and emotion. His paintings draw influence from the great landscape masters, particularly Monet's later works, Constable's oil sketches and Turner's remarkable treatment of colour, atmosphere and light. These influences, combined with a lifetime spent studying nature, have helped shape a painting style that is instantly recognisable and highly sought after by collectors.

Living in a beautiful part of Derbyshire has had a profound influence on Rex Preston's artistic development. The landscapes of Derbyshire and the Peak District continue to provide inspiration for many of his paintings, while regular painting trips around the United Kingdom allow him to explore new locations and changing conditions. Among his favourite subjects are the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall and Devon, the expansive landscapes of Norfolk and the ever-changing scenery of the Lake District. Rex paints exclusively within the UK, finding an endless source of inspiration in Britain's diverse landscapes, changing seasons and distinctive qualities of light.

The style of Rex Preston's paintings evolved naturally over many years rather than through any conscious decision. His work is driven by a fascination with colour, light, atmosphere and reflection, often capturing fleeting moments that last only a few minutes before disappearing. Whether depicting dramatic skies over a windswept moor, sunlight reflecting on water or the changing colours of a coastal landscape, his paintings convey both the energy and tranquillity of the British countryside.

Whenever conditions allow, Rex paints outdoors, working directly from the landscape. Sketching also plays a vital role in his creative process, allowing him to record fleeting effects of light, weather and atmosphere that would be impossible to capture in a finished painting. Back in the studio, these sketches act as powerful reminders of the experience of being in the landscape and, combined with memory and imagination, help him create larger and more ambitious paintings.

Rex Preston has always been drawn to wild and unspoilt places, spending countless hours exploring the countryside in search of inspiration. His paintings celebrate the beauty of the British landscape whilst remaining rooted in direct observation and personal experience. Collectors are often drawn to his work because of its remarkable ability to capture not only a location but also a particular mood, memory or fleeting moment in time.

Rex Preston paints exclusively in oils, a medium that provides the richness, depth and flexibility that perfectly suit his expressive style. Through confident brushwork, vibrant colour and a mastery of atmosphere, Rex Preston oil paintings continue to be regarded amongst the finest examples of contemporary British landscape painting.

Red Rag Gallery has represented Rex Preston continuously since 2009 and is proud to be both his longest-standing and largest gallery. His paintings have been a permanent feature of our Bath gallery for many years, and we have developed an exceptionally close relationship with the artist during that time. We visit Rex's Derbyshire studio several times each year and regularly welcome him to Bath, giving us a unique understanding of both his artistic practice and the locations that continue to inspire his work.

As Rex Preston's principal gallery, Red Rag maintains the largest selection of original Rex Preston oil paintings available anywhere. We hold dedicated solo exhibitions of his work every two years and receive several deliveries of new paintings annually, ensuring collectors always have access to the latest examples of his work. Every painting is sourced directly from the artist's studio, guaranteeing authenticity, provenance and access to newly completed paintings.

Unlike many contemporary artists, Rex Preston has never accepted commissions, preferring the freedom to pursue subjects that genuinely inspire him. This independence has been a defining feature of his career and allows every painting to emerge from a personal response to the landscape rather than a predetermined brief.

Collectors can browse the latest Rex Preston paintings for sale on this page or visit our Bath gallery to view works in person. We are always happy to advise collectors on available paintings, recent arrivals and forthcoming solo exhibitions. Secure worldwide shipping is available on all original artwork.