AN ARTIST’s impression of nature and wildlife has always been at the forefront of fine art for those studying the subject and practising it.

Local fine art collectors and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet an award-winning contemporary artist this weekend.

Abstract wildlife painter, Robert Oxley, will be making a special appearance in Brighton to display some of his newest work.

The celebrated artist will be showcasing his new collection, Instinct, at the Castle Fine Art gallery in Nile Street tomorrow between 1pm and 4pm.

The collection will then be on display for a whole week, allowing visitors and art enthusiasts ample time to engage with his work.

Taking inspiration from artists such as Robert Crumb, Glenn Brown and Robert Williams, Mr Oxley’s Instinct works have a psychedelic feel and take natural history painting in a new direction, using zig-zag edges and bold dripping paint.

Completely self-taught, Mr Oxley’s art career has gone from strength to strength since he launched a publishing career with Washington Green, the UK’s leading fine art publisher, in 2015.

This came after he was a finalist in Castle Fine Art’s IN:SIGHT campaign, which seeks out the UK’s newest emerging artistic talent and gives them an opportunity to have their work publicly showcased.

Prior to this, Mr Oxley also received a commendation from the esteemed BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year panel, a highly coveted accolade for any artist in his field.

He said: “After all of the time and energy that went into Instinct I can’t wait to share the collection at the Brighton gallery and see the response it evokes from viewers.

“As with my previous collections, I wanted to create something loose and expressionistic yet also controlled and detailed.

“The result is work that looks like it was done quickly but on inspection reveals that every brushstroke is considered and meticulously painted.

“It is loose and free but in fact complexity is what nature is all about.”

Valerie Kaye, gallery manager at Castle Fine Art, Brighton – Washington Green Fine Art’s nationwide network of high street galleries – said: “The meet the artist event is set to be a fantastic afternoon and we can’t wait to welcome one of Washington Green’s rising stars to the gallery.

“Robert’s work is unlike anything we have ever had on display before and it will be interesting to hear all about the inspiration behind his collection.”

Mr Oxley started taking painting seriously in the early 1990s and said his work on the Instinct collection stems from his aim to highlight the need to protect the natural world and animals, especially those already endangered.

He added: “My favourite piece in the collection is called The Last Exit.

“We are letting these animals die out and it is time to learn how to protect them.

“It is an interesting image and I would like to continue this sort of work as it has a pertinent message behind it.

“My style has changed a lot and I find the progression occurred naturally, from a time when I used to be so precise with my painting.

“Now it is a lot more free-flowing.”

Visitors wishing to attend the event and meet the artist should contact the gallery team to be added to the guest list beforehand.

Prices for Mr Oxley’s pieces will start at £495 and full pricing details will be available on the day.

As one of the UK’s leading art publishers, Washington Green Fine Art brings new talent from around the world to the contemporary art market.