Lee Herring: Artist Spotlight

In the hands of British painter Lee Herring, the still life is anything but still. With vivid colors, spontaneous mark-making, and thick, textured layers, Herring reimagines classical floral compositions through the lens of urban energy and contemporary expression. His work is bold, uplifting, and unmistakably his own.

“I try and bring a contemporary twist to somewhat dated subject matters,” Herring explains. “Still lifes and landscapes are often more traditional, but I like to explore a new side to it and bring in some urban influences, bright colours and textures.”

That reinvention is at the heart of Herring’s practice—one shaped by years of experimentation and evolution. A lifelong love of art led him to pursue a Fine Art degree, where he gained the confidence to fully commit to a creative path. “I always enjoyed art from a young age and studied it throughout my education,” he reflects. “University gave me the confidence to keep creating—and then here we are, 18 years working as an artist!”

Herring’s style thrives on instinct. Working without preliminary sketches or rigid plans, he builds each painting layer by layer, allowing one mark to guide the next. “My process is fairly spontaneous,” he says. “I like to work in pens and pencil initially and then from there bring in some bolder spray paints to start to build up layers—usually finishing with big blobs of acrylics to give it that 3D texture.”

While floral still lifes have become a signature subject, his journey began with landscapes. A shift into florals marked a defining moment in his career. “It was definitely a turning point,” Herring recalls. “Pushing the boundaries of what I’m capable of without worrying about outside opinions. I work alone in my studio, so you have to be brave and manage self-doubt the best you can.”

Over time, his work has become more layered—visually and conceptually. Herring incorporates stencils, patterns, and unexpected textures, pulling inspiration from the ever-changing world of contemporary art. “I keep an eye on other artists and draw inspiration from techniques that are being used,” he shares. “My paintings have definitely evolved.”

This spring, Herring’s newest body of work will be on view in his upcoming solo exhibition Daydreams in Pastel, opening April 5. The collection explores his signature fusion of classical subjects and contemporary technique with a softer, more atmospheric palette that reflects an ongoing evolution in his work.

For Herring, art is ultimately about connection and emotion. “Art has the power to change us all,” he says. “I love that buyers can connect to my paintings in a positive manner, bringing joy to their lives. In one fleeting look, their whole mood can change.”

Whether through the soft haze of spray paint or the sharp contrast of color and form, Lee Herring’s work speaks to a restless kind of beauty—one that moves, pulses, and transforms. His paintings aren’t just a new take on tradition; they’re a celebration of reinvention itself.