Alan Furneaux (b1953): Painting Cornwall and Beyond

Born in London in 1953, Alan Furneaux is a renowned modern British artist whose painting is full of bright colours, charm and a little bit of whimsy. By now well-known for his ebullient depictions of Cornish harbours, Mediterranean towns and sun-drenched coastal scenes, Furneaux’s art is distinctly recognisable – crammed as it invariably is with bold shapes, rich textures and good play on tone.

Slow to Bloom but Bursting With Colour

Furneaux’s route to artistic success was not the conventional one. He left school at 17, and, following a course at Reigate School of Art, did not actively start painting until the mid-1980s. He was particularly close to his grandfather, the artist George Hann, who endowed Furneaux with much of his creative spirit. The skill of Furneaux is in its purposeful simplicity and gleeful directness. His paintings are filled with architecture, flattened perspectives and vibrant colour harmonies that are at once fresh and nostalgic-feeling.

The Art of Light and Place

Working primarily in oil and gouache, Furneaux also depicts the distinct light and rhythm of the places he paints. Whether a fishing village in Cornwall or a sunlit street in Marrakesh, his work has warmth and atmosphere. Gouache serves his passion for painting en plein air, while oil offers his studio works opulent, layered depth. Now living in Penzance, Furneaux is still inspired by the Penwith Coast, its architecture, and the skies always altering it. And the Mediterranean scenes of the artist, with their views of the Côte d’Azur, Italian hill towns and Moroccan courtyards, share a sun-kissed tranquillity and architectural cadence.

Exhibitions and Collectability

Furneaux has exhibited at prestigious UK galleries such as Thompson’s Gallery, The Scottish Gallery and Walker Galleries. His paintings have sold at auction for as much as $5,925, and has a collector base that is increasingly attracted to his particular combination of technical virtuosity, emotional warmth and visual delight.

Why Collect Alan Furneaux?

Furneaux’s paintings aren’t just colourful: They’re hopeful. They carry a feeling of joy, of places, of sunshine into any room. To collectors, his work is unusually accessible, original and enduring. Whether you’re attracted to the allure of a Cornish harbour or the light of a Mediterranean terrace, Furneaux’s art asks you to take a moment, smile and breathe in the colour.

Source: Various web-based research and articles