Ollie Tuck British, Contemporary

Olivia (Ollie) Tuck, a renowned Sussex-based still life painter, has captivated audiences with her vibrant and joyful compositions. Her artwork, exhibited with prestigious institutions such as the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, is a testament to her keen eye for the beauty found in everyday subjects. Olivia’s work uniquely blends traditional still life themes with contemporary colour and pattern, resulting in highly decorative and exuberant pieces. Her artistic achievements have been recognised with several awards, including the second-place Stanley Grimm Memorial Award at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 2022, the RSMA Next Generation Award and the Holly Bush Painter Prize for Best Figurative Painting in 2021.

Olivia’s artistic journey began with painting portraits of friends and family, evolving significantly around the age of 17 when she started visiting exhibitions. Without formal training, she honed her skills through practice and observation, finding that colour was a defining feature of her work, a trait that continues to excite her today. Transitioning to still life painting, particularly of food items, Olivia found new inspiration during lockdowns, frequenting local farm shops and fishmongers. She discovered beauty in the colours and light of these everyday subjects, often pairing her painting subjects with ingredients for her meals. Painting primarily with oils, Olivia enjoys the medium’s versatility and endless possibilities. Her goal is to create works that invite viewers to closely study the brushwork before stepping back to appreciate the whole piece. She finds immense satisfaction in the continuous learning and development that comes with her artistic practice, cherishing the moments of breakthrough that propel her work forward.