Gary Goodman paints images of resounding directness - the figure at the forefront, unbothered by artistic self-consciousness, ego and politeness. Simply saying ‘hello’ to the world as it passes him by.

This produces work of intense human understanding that belongs to a lineage of artists that include Jean Dubuffet, Vincent van Gogh, EL Kirchner and Edvard Munch - and echoes the profound spiritual beauty and sensitivity of Knut Hamsun, Ingmar Bergman and Arvo Pärt.

Gary has exhibited his paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures all over the world - from Alaska to New Zealand via Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Norway, Estonia, Scotland).

He has shown in many galleries in England including the National Portrait Gallery, Royal College of Art (Hunting Art Prizes) and Mall Galleries (Discerning Eye) - recent exhibitions include new paintings with Billy Childish; and printmaking with MC Escher and Chris Pig in Atlanta, USA. An upcoming show of painter printmakers at Zimmerstewart, Arundel, shows Gary exhibiting alongside Paula Rego, Chapman Bros., Jim Dine, Peter Doig etc.

Gary has also been invited to participate in International Symposia in Estonia, Germany and France. He has undertaken many artist’s residencies and workshops, and won several awards to travel and create new work.

Gary is a featured artist in both Painting the Figure: a New Approach by Emily Ball (2009) and Printmaking: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques by Ann d'Arcy Hughes (2008).

Gary is also a writer; in 1998 he completed a catalogue of drawings and poetry with contributions from Professors Norbert Lynton and Michael Tucker. Gary has performed at spoken word events in Norway, USA and many venues in UK, and makes photocopied books of his poems. In 2009 he was included in the Java Monkey Poetry Anthology (Kodac Harrison USA) and also helps organize regular poetry events under the name Desperate For Love.

For the past 20 years he has taught on a variety of courses at various universities and colleges and continues to run workshops in printmaking, drawing and painting.

Gary Goodman works from his shed at the end of the garden in Sussex.

‘There is a good deal of the shamanic in Goodman.’

Prof Michael Tucker

‘Gary Goodman is driven - his work is elemental, searching, honest. ‘

Veronica Travers

‘Gary Goodman is not trying to impress anyone with his art

Gary Goodman is merely saying hello with some drawings’

Billy Childish

‘Goodman’s paintings, with their fear, their pain, colour, beauty, truth, have touched my soul.’

Sally Scott

‘Far from brutal, Goodman’s way of painting is highly poetic’.

Prof Norbert Lynton