Here at Callaghans of Shrewsbury we are very excited to introduce an upcoming ‘Welsh Works’ exhibition in the gallery, featuring a range of artists such as Charles Wyatt Warren, Wyn Hughes, David Barnes and Wilf Roberts.

Featured Welsh Artists

Charles Wyatt Warren (1908-1993)

Charles Wyatt Warren (1908-1993) was a renowned Welsh artist, whose exquisite portrayals of the breathtaking landscapes of his home have earned him recognition as one of the leading landscape painters of his time.

While his earlier works feature intricate detail which highlight his technical painting ability, his later works adopt a looser and more impressionistic approach, using sculpted impasto to convey the dreamy colours and rugged natural landforms of Wales. Most of Wyatt Warren’s paintings are of the beautiful views of Snowdonia, the towering mountains and glistening streams and lakes of which are masterfully depicted in Wyatt Warren’s distinctive style. While impasto could be used by other artists to obscure the overall definition of the landforms, Wyatt Warren’s sweeping, impressionistic style adds to, rather than detracts from, the beauty of his pieces. 

Very rarely are any figures seen within a Wyatt Warren painting, as he believed in the utmost importance of the scenery alone. The effect of this is one of solitude and introspection coupled with the quiet wonder one feels when faced with the natural beauty of the world in all its splendour.

Wyn Hughes (1965)

Born in Aberffraw, Anglesey in 1965, Wyn Hughes is another prolific landscape painter whose works most prominently feature depictions of Welsh countryside. His characteristic use of thick impasto and palette knife technique allows him to capture the raw and rugged essence of the landscapes he depicts. His palette tends to feature dark stormy greys, chalky whites and fiery oranges, with roaring oceans depicted in deep blue and sweeping countryside in rich green.

With intensity and flair, Hughes perfectly portrays the dramatic beauty of the landscapes which he loves, often including silent houses standing strong against the rugged countrysides and moody skies. Like Wyatt Warren, his paintings rarely feature figures as he focuses more on the uninterrupted splendour of the scenery alone.

Although self-taught, he was always interested in artists such as Kyffin Williams and Wilf Roberts, and his love of collecting art inspired him to start painting. He continues to paint masterpieces, some of which we are delighted to exhibit at Callaghans.

David Barnes (1942-2021)

David Barnes (1942-2021) was born in Africa and spent much of his early childhood there. Though inspired by artists, Barnes did not start painting seriously until his retirement from his job as a chartered accountant and later a tutor in financial management in 2006. His work draws inspiration from Kyffin Williams and other Welsh artists, as well as the French Impressionist movement.

His style is characterised by a highly textured approach—thick impasto applied with a palette knife and bold use of colour and line adds to the simplistic charm of his pieces. Chalky white houses and stone walls commonly populate Barnes’ paintings, contributing to Wales’ unique cultural narrative and resonating with audiences who feel a connection to the land and its traditions.

Wilf Roberts (1941-2016)

Wilf Roberts was born in 1941 and raised in the Mynydd Bodafon area of Anglesey. He studied art part time at Croydon Art College, where he also taught art for a number of years. Returning to Anglesey, Roberts took up a job in Local Government, but after retiring in 1996 he devoted all his time to painting. He painted primarily in oil and acrylic, utilising a range of techniques to characterise his distinctive style.

Wilf draws his inspiration from the stark, raw beauty of his surroundings, with a simplistic style which doesn’t detract from the essence of the scenery, instead perfectly capturing the stunning Welsh landscapes he takes inspiration from. He can portray any manner of spirit in his paintings, from tranquillity to turbulence, highlighting the affinity he had with the natural world. 

He died in 2016, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Wales’ most prominent and talented landscape artists of his time. His work is held in public and private collections in Paris, New York, Australia and the UK.

We are delighted to invite you to come and view our upcoming collection of Welsh Works in the Galley on St Mary’s Street, Shrewsbury. For more information, be sure to get in touch with our team.