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Liam O'FarrellA personal celebration of ordinariness

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Liam Ofarrell doing a talk in Wells

Public speaking about my work as an artist and encouraging others to take up painting too

Mar 18 No Comments

Earlier this week, I took another small step toward my goal of inspiring the whole world to take up a bit of painting. Why do public speaking? I believe in putting down the phone, stopping the doomscrolling and picking up a pencil, some paper, and a bit of paint would do us all good. WithRead more…

Postmans Park painting in London

A painting of Postman’s Park in The City of London

Nov 26 3 Comments

Postman’s Park has always intrigued me. In the past, I would occasionally stumble upon this wonderful space while walking through the City of London. However, it was always by chance, and I could never locate it again. Its exact location—and even its name—remained a mystery. So, I was delighted earlier this year when a clientRead more…

The creaky shed green grocers in Greenwish London

A painting of The Creaky Shed in Greenwich, London

Oct 15 2 Comments

The Creaky Shed  is a local greengrocer that specializes in seasonal produce, offering many unusual and intriguing varieties. Its rustic interior evokes the charm of an old allotment shop, while its front displays are impressive enough to rival those at the Chelsea Flower Show. The painting is for sale here A limited edition print ofRead more…

A painting of the Clifton nurseries in Maida Vale London

A painting of the Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale, London

Oct 15 No Comments

The original painting of Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale, London, measures 25cm x 27.5cm, and with the frame, it is 29cm x 31.5cm. You can buy a limited edition print of this painting here   While working another job in Maida Vale, London, I was walking back to Warwick Avenue tube station. Part of myRead more…

A painting of Rocky Mountain Nurseries

A painting of Rocky Mountain Nurseries to win in my next newsletter to be sent on the 13th-Sep-24

Sep 06 2 Comments

Sign up to my newsletter here to enter a free draw to win my signed, original painting of Rocky Mountain Nurseries, Somerset worth £160, This painting is 29cm x 20cm, signed & mounted on acid-free card. Newsletter sent 8th-August-24 . I look forward to your sign up in the box on this page. There willRead more…

A video on Allotments

A Video About My Love of Painting Allotments

Aug 07 1 Comment

 Since I’ve been creating videos about my paintings, a very long list has developed and as painting allotments is something I’ve always done and always really enjoyed, I’m really pleased that finally, this subject has come to the top. A set of six Greetings cards You can buy this set of greetings cards hereRead more…

Caravan painting for The Crown Pilton

A painting of a travellers caravan near Glastonbury Tor, Somerset

May 31 3 Comments

You can buy a limited edition print of The Caravan here. A fictional scene based on the many traveller caravans situated around the foot of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. At it’s core, the painting is a celebration of the idea that happiness is about fulfilling and celebrating our needs rather than the mere accumulation ofRead more…

Exhibition in The Crown Pilton

London-Pilton-New York, an exhibition of oil paintings at The Crown pub in Pilton, Somerset

Apr 21 2 Comments

In this blog I am going to talk about my exhibition from the 14th of April to the 16th of June 2023 at The Crown pub in Pilton, Somerset. Pilton is also the place that I’m fortunate enough to call home so I didn’t have to travel far with my paintings for a change. SeeRead more…

Clissold House painting in watercolour

A painting of Clissold House in Hackney, London and a love story

Mar 22 8 Comments

I was asked to paint a watercolour painting of Clissold House in Hackney, East London. Though London is often perceived as a sprawling metropolis, it is also blessed with an abundance of public parks and open spaces. Many of these began life as private country estates with Clissold House and park being an example. Clissold House (originallyRead more…

painting of the allotment in Pilton Somerset

My painting is exhibiting at The New English Art Club’s (NEAC) Annual Open Exhibition 2022

Jun 14 2 Comments

I was delighted to learn that my painting ‘A bee in a country allotment’ (yes, there is a bee in there) has been selected for The New English Art Club’s (NEAC) Annual Open Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in Central London between 23 June to 2 July 2022. You can buy a limited edition printRead more…

painting of the allotment in Pilton Somerset

An oil painting of A bee in a country allotment

Jun 14 No Comments

During the lockdowns, I decided to embark on a large project based in my home village of Pilton, Somerset. I mused over a few ideas but finally settled on the village allotment. You can buy a limited edition print of the painting here Over the years I have painted many allotments, some real locations andRead more…

Growing mushrooms for beginners front cover

Illustrating Growing Mushrooms for Beginners

Feb 16 2 Comments

I often get asked to paint book and magazine covers, but rarely whole books. When books do come along its difficult to guess what they might be, so I was much intrigued when asked to illustrate a book on cultivating mushrooms. My knowledge of mushrooms I have to say that I know absolutely nothing aboutRead more…

Painting of a mock Tudor house

Painting a house portrait in Warrington, Cheshire

Feb 16 2 Comments

Occasionally I get asked to paint client homes, and last year I was pleased to be asked to paint a family home in Warrington, Cheshire. This property is about 200 miles from my home in Somerset but, as I also had jobs booked in Liverpool and Salford at the same time, I decided to bookRead more…

Painting post cards around Pilton in Somerset

Painting postcards around Pilton in Somerset

Mar 12 9 Comments

When the first lockdown hit, obviously I could not get out and about like I used to, so I had to come up with a solution that included a bit of exercise that might prevent me turning into a bit of an old hermit. My solution was to take up regular exercise and, to keepRead more…

An allotment painting in Fonthill Bishop

Allotment painting in Fonthill Bishop

Jan 21 No Comments

I was asked to paint a small allotment in the village of Fonthill Bishop. This modest village is about nine miles from the Wiltshire town of Warminster. It may go unnoticed but for the Fonthill Park Estate. Fonthill Park Estate In one form or another, the Fonthill Park Estate goes back to 1533 and from 1830Read more…

A painting of Pilton Somerset

A painting of a house in Pilton Somerset

Jul 27 No Comments

I get asked to work all over the country but, for this commission, I did not have to go far as it was in the village of Pilton, Somerset where I live. See the final painting here The property looks as though it began as a modest farmhouse that over the years was enlarged dependingRead more…

The Times Newspaper article on artists painting houses

An article in The Times Newspaper on my paintings of houses

May 15 No Comments

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Lisa Grainger of The Times newspaper. Lisa explained that she was writing a feature about artists who take commissions on painting houses and requested that I contribute.  I really enjoy doing house portraits, to me, they are not just straight architectural images, they are about the historyRead more…

A print of a man and wife in the allotment

Dozing, and working at the allotment. A view from a train

Nov 28 No Comments

When I used to commute through London, I would often see an allotment from the train window. It was quite a modest affair jammed between the track and a row of Victorian terraces pushing from behind. You can buy a limited edition print of the painting here I love allotments. They are one of theRead more…

A painting of an allotment fair

Signed limited edition print to give away in my next newsletter on 15/Dec/16

Dec 08 8 Comments

Sign up to my newsletter and you can enter the free draw to win this signed limited edition print of an allotment worth £120. Details Unframed: 39cm x 21cm  (not including the white boarder paper) giclee print.  See below for Additional Information A bit about The Allotment show. The painting is based on an event at my mum’sRead more…

A watercolour of Broccali

An original watercolour to give away in my next newsletter 03/Nov/16

Oct 31 No Comments

Sign up to my newsletter, and you can enter the free draw to win this original watercolour of two pieces of broccoli. About this watercolour Earlier this year, I was given a packaging commission. The idea being that I would paint a series of separate vegetables reflecting various ingredients. Each would then be montaged togetherRead more…

15 Drawings of Pilton Village, Somerset

Mar 09 3 Comments

St John The Baptist Church, Pilton Village, Somerset. Grade 1 listed building. After growing up in the City of Portsmouth in Hampshire, I then moved to London. I lived in that mad bad and most thrilling city for near on 24 years. I still work mostly in London, though I now live in the delightfulRead more…

A painting of Pilton Methodist church

An exhibition of my paintings and art in Somerset 3rd-18th October 2015

Sep 22 No Comments

I am having an exhibition of my paintings, prints and drawings in my home village of Pilton, Somerset as part of ‘Somerset Art Works’. It is located in a lovely barn, and overlooks the Glastonbury Festival Pyramid stage which is a bit of a change from the big city.  Do come along if you can,Read more…

A painting of a tractor in Pilton

Pilton in Somerset. A village and home of the Glastonbury Festival

May 31 No Comments

You can buy a limited edition print of this tractor here I was asked to do this painting of a local scene here in the Somerset village of Pilton where I live. Although rather idealistic, it is fairly close to what the fields around my house are like. Long rolling hills separated by hedges, stretchingRead more…

An oil painting of West Compton, Somerset

An oil painting commission of a house in West Compton, Somerset

May 30 3 Comments

See this painting larger by clicking here West Compton is a modest hamlet a few miles up the road and over the hill from the village of Pilton where I live. A local resident asked me to paint their home in oils. It is beautiful 18th century home with a lovely extension on the side,Read more…

Drawing of a Saddleback Pig

A drawing to give away in my next newsletter 4th June 2015

May 26 7 Comments

Sign up to my newsletter and you can enter the free draw to win this preparatory pencil study. What is it? When I first came to live in Somerset from London I went to The Royal Bath and West Show. I never knew there were so many varieties of pig around. One of my favouriteRead more…

An oil painting commission of Dymchurch, Kent

Nov 24 2 Comments

You can buy a limited edition print of this painting here  I pulled into the near empty sea front car park in Dymchurch at about 9am. It wasn’t the best of weather to say the least. The sea was in a foaming, booming rage. I peered through my flapping wipers with dismay. The gale wasRead more…

Painting of Columbia Road Market

A watercolour painting of Columbia Road Market, London

Sep 14 No Comments

You can buy a limited edition print of the painting here ‘I got it from a man I met in a pub!’ I was in the Barley Mow Pub in Shoreditch waiting for a friend of mine. After a short time he texted me explaining he would be late. Normally this is a bit ofRead more…

Drawing of a women in an allotment

I am giving away this drawing in my next newsletter

Jun 26 3 Comments

 I will be giving away this preparatory drawing in my next newsletter in a few days. If you would like to take part in the free draw to win her then just sign up in the box to the right or just mail me. Who is she? I was working on an oil painting ofRead more…

Porlock Weir Drawing

A visit to The Exmoor National Park and a quick drawing too

Jun 11 No Comments

I paid a quick visit to Porlock Weir on the North Coast of Exmoor National Park. This is a very tiny fishing village tucked beneath the high hills and bluffs of the National Park, accessed by a single and often precipitous road. As you enter the village there is a short terrace of ancient cottages built directlyRead more…

Drawing of a pig show

Showing pigs at The Royal Bath & West Show

Jun 05 5 Comments

As a lifetime ‘Towny’ I have to confess that I had never been to an agricultural show in all my life so I jumped at the opportunity to pop over to The Royal Bath & West Show. It was a fascinating day with every aspect of country life catered for so I have to editRead more…

Glastonbury Tor drawing

I drew the Glastonbury Tor on a rare sunny day

Mar 29 No Comments

Today it was sunny, really cold but sunny. Even though I have loads of studio work to do I decided to make the best of this rarest of days and do some work outside.   Grabbing my gear I took a short walk through the village and out on the hills at the back ofRead more…

A drawing of a Man in Garden

The winner of the last newsletter drawing giveaway

Mar 28 No Comments

I give away a drawing with each of my newsletters. The winner is picked out at random from those who wish to take part in the draw.   The last drawing which was a preparatory drawing for an oil painting was won by Bea from Hove, UK. She was kind enough to write a fewRead more…

A drawing of a Man in Garden

A drawing to give away in my newsletter

Mar 03 7 Comments

I will be giving away this (8cm x 16cm) mounted drawing in my next newsletter which will be sent on the 4th March.   The winner will be picked randomly from all those who put in a request for him. A drawing will be on offer for each newsletter from now on so if youRead more…

I have recently updated my Facebook image

Feb 12 No Comments

Not the biggest news in the world though I am rather pleased with it.   It was taken in an allotment in Portsmouth. This allotment is one of my favourite hang out places for gardening and person inspiration. I wanted to capture the idea that I am every where. Everywhere that is with my sketchRead more…

Allotment pencil visual sketch

Initial pencil drawings for an allotment picture

Jan 27 No Comments

I am currently working on an oil painting for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. No guarantees of getting in of course as the competition is brutal as the whole of the Cotswolds apply. They have, however, let me in a few times before so it is certainly worth a punt and the pageant is goodRead more…

Yearly Roundup 2011

Dec 20 No Comments

I have written a quick round up of this year.   Some of the articles link to blogs in the site if you wish to see more detail. Exhibitions I have been involved in a few exhibitions and was lucky enough tofeature again in The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in London. It’s always a unique pageantRead more…

Drawing and painting at the Royal Hospital. The home of the Chelsea Pensioners

Sep 08 No Comments

  The powers that be were kind enough to allow me in to the allotments at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.   A bit about the hospital The Royal Hospital was founded by fun loving so called “merry monarch” King Charles II in 1681 for soldiers of good conduct who were no longer fit forRead more…

Painting of Abney Road Cemetery, Hackney, London

A quick watercolour tour of Hackney

Jul 31 2 Comments

I have over the years painted my neighborhood, The London Borough of Hackney.  Hackney could well be the most famous borough in the country and despite its often insalubrious reputation there is still something of the ‘Exciting reckless friend’ about it. Even big international brands have recognised the ‘outsider’ reputation and attempted to buy intoRead more…

Part 2: A painting trip to the French Pyrenees

Jul 12 2 Comments

Luz-St-Sauveur See part 1 I was very glad to get to Luz-St-Sauveur. The day was hot and the car was dry. Luz-St-Sauveur is a lovely pre medieval village sitting at the bottom of a valley on the lip of the Pyrenees National Park and all the views you can eat and mountains all around. AsRead more…

Exhibiting for another year at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition

Jun 10 No Comments

June 7th -15th August 2011 I am happy to say my painting ‘Lazy Afternoon’ was selected for this year’s Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition. This year being the third year in a row.   When I was first selected I was surprised to discover  that on the Varnishing day you are not immediately allowedRead more…

Oil Painting of an allotment

finished oil painting of a family allotment

Mar 04 No Comments

In a previous blog or two i went through the process of how i build a painting up from the drawing stage. Since that time i have painted the picture and it sits below. You may notice there are a few changes since the initial  drawing. I have taken out the landscape at the backRead more…

Drawing of an Allotment

The beginnings of an oil painting

Jan 10 No Comments

I though I would blog the process I use in developing an oil painting. Initially it begins with a very simple idea or message. This is often very loose and oddly for a painter who paints a lot of architecture the characters can come first. These are often based on people who I have metRead more…

Christmas Cracker 2010 exhibition at Byard Art in Cambridge

Nov 21 1 Comment

An inspirational Christmas collection of paintings, sculptures, original prints, ceramics, glass, textiles, craft and exclusive jewellery will be on show in the gallery. I will be showing three paintings at the show (see two below) and the opening times are: Byard Art, Cambridge Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm & Sunday 11am – 4pm ClosedRead more…

A christmas show at Panter and Hall 2010

Nov 21 No Comments

When I plan my paintings of the gardens, allotments and such I often do small studies for reference. Secondly i have begun to collect those dreadful discarded ornaments that are found in charity shops. I suspect these are just picked up in house clearances and handed to the shops en masse. They all have aRead more…

Oil painting of an allotment fair

In the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition for another year in 2010

Jun 12 2 Comments

Really pleased that the Royal Academy has again accepted one of my paintings for The Summer Exhibition. And I am happy to say it has sold before the opening. This allotment by the sea may seem fantasy though the site is not entirely fictitious. It is based on my mum’s allotment in Portsmouth which is locatedRead more…

Allotment Fair Drawing

The allotment fair drawing

Dec 06 No Comments

am currently working on an oil painting and the preparatory drawing is above. The painting is based on an event at my mum’s allotment. As the growing season nears its end the members organise an “Allotment show”. Quite a jovial affair. They pitch a large marquee, have a jumble sale and sell cake. At leastRead more…

Oil painting of a garden

Art exhibition in Waterloo, London

Nov 01 No Comments

Latest news I have an eight man show at the Llewellyn Alexander Gallery in waterloo. Exhibiting both watercolour and oil paintings. It starts on the 8 – 28 November 2009. Private view on Wednesday 4th 2009. Gallery Open 10am to 7:30pm Monday to Saturday: 124 -126 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 8LN UK (Opposite theRead more…

A painting of a poisionous garden

the garden: a new oil painting

Sep 11 No Comments

I have recently finished another oil painting. ‘The Garden’. Oddly, all the plants are poisonous. You will find Hemlock (little sprigs of white flowers bottom left) among them. Socrates was forced to take Hemlock for upsetting his fellow Greeks. The daddy of them all however would be the Castor plant (the red one mid right).Read more…

The leaves are green?

Jul 02 No Comments

I visited the Stanley Spencer Gallery the other week and like many artists I jammed my nose right up to the canvas to dissect the mysteries of technique and style. I noticed flecks of sky blue on the top of the leaves. It was pure blue and fairly strong as well. I stood back andRead more…

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2009

Jun 14 No Comments

I am pleased to say that my recent work “Waiting’ successfully made it into the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition this year. (click on the image to view it larger) The opening event was an odd day. I expected to turn up at Burlington House, have a few glasses of wine with the great and theRead more…

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Latest Painting Stories

  • Tatler illustration of the Chief Whip An illustration of The Whips Office for Tatler Magazine
  • Gallery Holt Exhibition Norfolk for Liam OFarrell I will be exhibiting at The Gallery Holt in Norfolk, from 31st May – 8th July 2025
  • A Limited edition print Maceos bar at Block 9 at The Glastonbury Festival A painting of Maceos bar at Block 9 at The Glastonbury Festival

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