Martin Llewellyn solo exhibition

Martin Llewellyn is the living breathing example of the working class artist who ‘made good’.

The fairy tale of the carpet fitter who began his masterful career as a painter, because his wife, Allison, gifted him some sketching pencils and materials one Christmas.

Drawing and sketching again, Martin was able to rediscover his passion for the art, painting firstly in watercolours.  It was only when he visited a gallery and was told that the work “wasn’t quite there yet” that the real desire and determination for success was lit within.

He continued working as a carpet fitter, whilst developing his art along the way, commandeering his garden shed as his first studio.

“The visit to the gallery, who told me my work wasn’t quite ready, gave me the determination to get better. I was working in my shed-come-studio one day and I thought right, I’m going to use a palette knife and oils – that was the first time…”

Thankfully, Martin did not give up on his art, if he had, we would not be able to enjoy his masterful use of the palette knife. Completely self-taught, Martin’s work is reminiscent of the classical art training taught in art academies throughout the 20th century.

His style is distinctly Welsh. The country’s moody, windswept land and seascapes provide the inspiration. He has an ability to catch the Welsh landscape as its light and conditions change minute by minute.

Martin has prepared for this solo exhibition for the last 18 months. “It’s a big achievement to exhibit for the 6th time at the Albany Gallery. They have always believed in me and shown lots of support”.

His influences over the years have included Sir Kyffin Williams, Gwilym Pritchard and Charles Wyatt Warren. Martin explains: “I’m influenced by their technique as well as their subject matter and my inspiration comes from the landscapes and seascapes that surround me”.

Meryl Cubley August 2025