Introduction
I’m Chris Summer, a contemporary Australian artist with over 14 years of experience as a professional artist. My self-taught journey has allowed me to develop a distinct vision in hyperrealism, exploring the fine details of light, form and texture, through acrylic painting on canvas or charcoal on paper.
Background
Born in England in 1979, I spent my formative years living internationally, moving between British army bases in countries such as Hong Kong and Germany, before settling in London. At the age of 30, I left the hustle of London life for the serene beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. This peaceful environment allowed me to focus fully on my creative process and immerse myself in the detailed world of still life art.
Bringing Nature to Life
My deep love for nature has always been a primary influence in my art. I’ve had incredible wildlife encounters—from cage diving with great white sharks to snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays—which have deepened my appreciation of the natural world. While my earlier work focused on wildlife, I soon realized that my true passion lay in still life. This genre offers me creative freedom to explore intricate details and dynamic lighting, capturing subjects such as feathers and urchins, with an element of water.
Want to see more of Chris’s process and new artwork? Be sure to follow him on Instagram or subscribe to his email list for exclusive updates and new releases.
Recognition and Exhibitions
My work has been recognized in several prestigious art prizes, including the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, the Kennedy Art Prize, the Muswellbrook Art Prize, and BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year. Recently, I had the privilege of showcasing my art in the Water People exhibition at Coral Street Art Space, alongside renowned marine conservationist Valerie Taylor OEM. Valerie is a legendary ocean advocate and filmmaker, known for her groundbreaking work in Jaws. It was an honor to be part of an event that celebrates the beauty and significance of marine life, reflecting my deep connection to nature and the natural world. [Editors’ note: https://besgroup.org/2023/06/11/winter-whale-fest-fleurieu-peninsula-2023/ A write-up that described briefly the Water People exhibition at Coral street Art Space as well as the legendary work of marine conservationist Valerie Taylor OEM]
Dedication to Detail
My process often involves hundreds of hours, working with the smallest brushes available and layering fine glazes to create a rich depth of form and texture. The absence of color in my artwork shifts the focus to subtle elements like light and form, allowing for a deeper emotional connection.
Each artwork by Chris Summer is available as a fine art print, offering a chance to share this connection to nature with a broader audience.
Creative Process
I love art that leaves something to the imagination—gestural lines and palette knife strokes—but for me, creating form and texture in fine detail is the only way to represent a subject in its true and honest form. Each piece I create can take up to 200 hours to complete, with a ‘purist’ approach to the process, I study and sketch the form, then reference multiple images to create the final piece. Whether it’s capturing the delicate texture of an urchin or the dynamic light on a feather, my goal is always to evoke an emotional connection in the viewer.
Artist Prints
In addition to original art, I offer a range of limited-edition, hand-signed Artist prints. These prints are produced with the same care and attention to detail as my original artworks, making them the perfect option for those looking to add hyperrealistic art to their collection. Each print is of the highest quality, allowing you to appreciate the intricate details and rich textures of my work. If you are interested in checking these out, you can find all the available prints on my website.
www.chrissummer.com.au/fine-art-prints
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes insights and updates on my latest works, or subscribe to my email list to stay connected and be the first to know about new releases!
Instagram: chris_summer_art
Subscribe: www.chrissummer.com.au/subscribe
Chris Summer
AUSTRALIAN CONTEMPORARY ARTIST
Website: www.chrissummer.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: chris_summer_art
EDITORS’ ADDENDUM
The BESGroup Editors have witnessed Chris Summer working in his studio and observed blank canvases transformed into pieces of art.
