Edward "Ned" Boyd is an English artist renowned for his vibrant use of colour and exploration of natural forms. Born in 1938, Boyd's journey into the world of art began at the young age of 12, when he received his first set of oil paints. This gift sparked a lifelong passion for color and creativity, shaping his future career.
Oil on canvas, clubbed for 420 GBP at Lawrences Auctioneer.
Early Life and Education
In 1956, Boyd secured a place to study medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge. However, after just a year, he realised his true passion lay elsewhere, as his collection of art books far outnumbered his anatomy texts. This epiphany led him to abandon his medical studies and, in 1960, he enrolled at the Chelsea College of Art.
During his time at Chelsea, Boyd met influential artists Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines at Benton End, Hadleigh, Suffolk. Boyd was deeply influenced by his time at Benton End, where he and Lett-Haines spent considerable time in the gardens. There, Boyd developed a fascination with the surreal and anthropomorphic qualities of plants, captivated by their architectural forms and the way flowers transform at the peak of their bloom.
Artistic Career and Influence
In 1966, Boyd emigrated to New Zealand, where he pursued inspiration from the dense, primitive bushland. This period marked a significant development in his artistic style, as he immersed himself in the natural environment and its vibrant, untamed beauty. Boyd's work from this time was exhibited in Auckland and Wanganui, gaining recognition for its vivid color palette and dynamic compositions.
"Grazing Cattle in Landscape", oil on board.
Upon returning to England, Boyd continued to share his passion for art through teaching. He held positions at Queen’s College in Taunton and Ealing College in London, where he influenced a new generation of artists with his enthusiasm for color and form.
Ned Boyd now resides in the Mendip Hills with his family, where he continues to create and explore new artistic avenues. His work remains deeply inspired by the natural world, particularly the intricate and often surreal beauty of plant life. Boyd's paintings are celebrated for their bold use of color and the way they capture the fleeting moments of nature's transformation.