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Tat's the way to do it!

28 January 2021

Creative Fine Art is a leading distributor of original paintings, mixed media artwork and limited edition prints. Based in Marlborough, Wiltshire the business is run by Louise Thatcher and Rob Howe and is now in its sixth year. 4walls was fascinated to hear more about the eclectic collection of creative people that they represent – from tattoo artists to traditionalists – which makes for an awesome portfolio!
 
Louise explains that their offer is really focused: “Our aim is to create a unique partnership between artists and independent art galleries across the country, working closely together to bring a wealth of new and exciting artwork to their galleries. Our artwork is beautifully presented, and we provide a host of marketing materials with every painting supplied.”
 
Louise continues: “While we sell limited edition prints as well as originals for 30 plus artists, one of the greatest areas of growth for us is limited edition prints on canvas.

“Consumers are happy to buy limited edition prints online when they know the artist and feel confident about what they are buying. The absence of glass reduces the risks in transit, which enables galleries and the end consumer to feel confident in using our drop shipping delivery option. The consumer orders online from the gallery. We process the order, prepare and frame the artwork, and then despatch it without the gallery even seeing it.”

The popularity of this service is testament to the consistently high quality service that Louise and the team deliver, and the relationships that they have built up with their customers. Creative Fine Art does not sell to the public. Rob spends a lot of time on the road and on the phone and while he and Louise have very much embraced the digital world and are benefitting hugely from the world of e-commerce, it is a people business.

Legends

One of Louise’s biggest success stories of the last few months is Gary Mossman and his rock star charcoal drawings. To date, there is a range of three: David Bowie, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. With more to follow later in the year.

At school, Gary dropped out of every class except art. His art teacher gave him the space to create all day, every day. Lunch break was his display time and the other kids would come to view his work. Gary owes a lot to the support of his art teacher.
 
After finishing school he discovered the world of tattooing. Knowing how tricky it is to become successful in the art world, he figured it could be a good career path. He was absolutely right! Thirteen years in the profession have enabled Gary to grow his particular style of realism and become very successful in the industry – accruing 20,000 followers on Instagram along the way. Gary has a worldwide client base and a long waiting list. One man came over from Brazil to get a tattoo!
The most unusual tattoo that Gary has ever done was for a man who wanted ‘Rebecca’, written large, on his forehead, then he said he hoped that she would now take him back! Gary says he was young and learning so he would tattoo anything. Now he would turn down anything so ridiculous!

Gary still spends half his time as a tattooist but says: “I consider tattooing to be an art form and I am very grateful to have a job I love. But my true passion has always remained in the rawness of putting charcoal to paper. To make it in the fine art world, that’s a real goal!”

George’s gorgeous artwork

George Gale is another artist with a new collection of limited edition prints getting a great reception this autumn. His quirky harbour scene illustrations have a wonderful feelgood factor. Printed on canvas and framed in the white Urbane moulding from Larson-Juhl’s Collections range (432 127 00) with a white slip, these stunning images are selling incredibly well with discerning consumers.

To find out more about Gary, George and many other talented creatives such as Heather Howe, Kara Strachan and Caroline Deighton, go to www.creativefineart.co.uk or follow @creativefineart on Instagram and Facebook.