Britain's rich rural heritage and diverse landscapes as portrayed by one of the country's leading

and best loved watercolour artists of the late 20th century.

 


Alan Ingham is remembered as one of the most talented watercolour artists in modern times. His illustrative work is an honest capture of Britain's varied landscapes, rural communities and architecture which are shaped by history, traditions and local resources. This official website offers a glimpse into the life and inspirational work of an artist who worked tirelessly to improving his style and skill and which is appreciated internationally.

 

In 2005, three years after his death, Alan was ranked as Britain's favourite deceased artist (after LS Lowry and Monet, source: Art Business Today/BBC) by an audience Alan was able to reach via 70 spectacular published limited edition prints. However, this was a mere fraction of the complete dossier of work over his life-time, amounting to nearly 1400 paintings. Read about Alan's life and career.

'Spring Caprice' Haddon Hall, Near Bakewell, Derbyshire, England.

Watercolour Skies

Named after his aptly titled book published in 1996, 'Under a Watercolour Sky', this one-man online exhibition is a way of allowing Alan's creativity to be freely accessed for pleasure and enjoyment and for you to explore his published and unpublished work. more..

 

The Archive

When he died in 2002, he  left an archive of vital artefacts and meticulously recorded detail which has inspired the development of this website and which has made his vast dossier of work accessible. More..

His Work

Alan's objective was to capture the essence of British rural heritage and culture through timeless illustrative snapshots. Themedium of watercolour enabled him to create the detail, while his skill of interpreting mood through a keen sense of light is unique. A collection of of his work is presented in a series of galleries which depict scenes from the Britain's most popular regions, landmarks and inspired work from his trips overseas:

His Story

From the decision to leave a paid profession to becoming a recognised artist was not an easy path. It is a story of self determination and belief, of highs, lows and fate. More..

In His Own Words

In an video interview for a video on three of Britains most well known artists, Alan describes his life and work (10 minutes).



Ely Cathedral

Original (Ingham Estate & Pre-owned) Sales

A collection of original watercolours which have never left the ownership of Alan's family has been released for sale including the iconic 'Spring in the Dales' and at 75 x 45cms one of his largest works Alan painted. If you own an original we will be pleased to hear from you.

'In the Heart of the Dales'

Signed Limited Editions

Published by Alan's agents Washington-Green, a number of remaining signed Limited Editions are available to purchase from Alan's personal collection.

'Down from the Hills'

Commemorative Limited Editions

Previously unpublished works are available in a special Commemorative Edition of extraordinary high quality giclee reproductions. Limited to 195 prints per edition, they are reproduced faithfully, maintaining the integrity of the original.

 

 

 

 

 

Watercolour Skies currently offer two collections:

  • Fells and Dales: A series of works which evoke the essence of Britain's Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks
  • Cotswolds: (In development)
  • Rosies Choice: An eclectic and random collection of works which Rose Ingham has chosen and includes some of his best work which did not reach publication
  • Bella Italia:(In development)

An example is the summer scene of  Litton village in the Yorkshire Dales titled 'In the Heart of the Dales'. This is an almost identical view of a much earlier published winter version called  'Down from the Hills' which went to open edition and sold in excess of 30,000 copies.

Publications

Alan's work has been published in three books. 'Under a Watercolour sky' was his first and highly successful book. in 2002 'Savour the Moment' was published by Halsgrove and in 2010 his work was the basis of an address book 'The Cotswolds' published by Halsgrove. For further information, please vist Publications on this website.