1946 - 2013
In 1964 Alan King received a place to study at one of the UK's finest and most recognizable Art Schools, the Glasgow School of Art, designed by Charles Rennie MacIntosh. After graduation Alan decided to pass on the skills he had learnt at Art School and train to become a teacher. He excelled in this profession for nearly thirty years prior to committing to painting full time. Alan said "I have enjoyed the experience of trying to put into practice the work ethic and lessons of teaching art full time. I am interested in the process of painting and am constantly investigating and reading about the materials and the craft of painting."
Alan King was a member of the Paisley Art Institute. He was also a member of the esteemed Glasgow Art Club and was elected PAI in 2006.
It is no surprise that King's work is displayed in many collections all over the UK. He successfully cultivated a solid reputation in the UK art industry. His most famous works featuring the Red Hat are increasingly sought after. These contemporary pieces display dramatically Alan's ability to tell stories through his work. Many of his pieces were based upon novels and poetry – Alan King was particularly drawn to the art of the Italian Renaissance and the literary works of Dante as sources of inspiration.
The creation of King's abstract artwork is very interesting. First he developed miniature life models and a theatre in which to position them. He then photographed these figures under different lighting and backgrounds; he then brought this process to a close by painting a new (usually large) striking original with oil paints on canvas.
