Meet This Award-Winning Painter Inspired By the Yorkshire Countryside
Award-winning landscape painter and architect Sarah K Tew works from a small hamlet in the heart of the North York Moors
Originally from a small village near Saltburn, after 20 years studying and working in the South and abroad, Sarah recently returned to the North with her husband and two Norwegian Forest cats. ‘I am passionate about the North and its diverse landscapes, with the coastal villages of Runswick Bay, and moorlands and the big dramatic skies,’ she says. ‘I love painting outdoors in all weather, working quickly across multiple surfaces to capture the changing weather. My work reflects my experience of a space and my response to a moment in time, rather than a photographic likeness. When I need a break from the elements, I retreat to my studio in Botton Village.
‘I had an active childhood and was always outside and encouraged to look around at my surroundings. I’ve always been fascinated by nature, how it shifts with the seasons, and how being outdoors has such a calming, therapeutic effect. For me, painting isn’t just about creating art – it’s also a way to connect with nature, recharge and even meet some interesting people along the way.’
Sarah’s been drawing since she was a child and was encouraged to paint the landscapes around her architectural projects whilst at The Bartlett, University College London. But it was whilst attending weekly art classes in Sheffield and during the pandemic that she started painting regularly, and began selling and exhibiting paintings and sharing her work on Instagram.
‘I create landscape paintings that are usually painted en-plein-air, which reflect a moment in time, my impression of a place – the light and weather,’ Sarah says. ‘I work with a range of materials; watercolour, acrylic, charcoal—and sometimes use found objects like feathers and sticks to make marks, especially when I’ve forgotten to pack my brushes! There’s something quite liberating about using what’s available – it makes the process more spontaneous.’
Sarah’s inspiration comes from the landscapes she visits and spends time in. ‘You’d think as an architect I would like to paint buildings, but it’s the undulating hills, the skies, changing colours and textures of the landscape that interests me,’ she says. ‘The importance of a sketchbook was instilled in me from school and college, so I always carry one with me, and if I am going on a painting trip I will carry a lightweight board with paper, so that I can quickly capture the essence of a place while I’m in the moment. I like to create a finished piece outdoors when I can, or soon after, to preserve the freshness of the experience. It’s about responding to the landscape whilst it’s still vivid in my mind.’
Sarah recently won the joint Public Choice Prize at the 2024 North Yorkshire Open Studio exhibition, where there were more than 150 exhibitors. ‘I was absolutely delighted that so many people connected with my work,’ she says. ‘Another highlight was having one of my paintings selected for the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour annual exhibition in Edinburgh. Seeing my work in the same building as Turner’s was surreal!’
Sarah is currently working on a series of large paintings that capture the changing seasons in the North York Moors over the course of a year, as well as working on several commissions for clients. ‘These are site-specific works that reflect the dramatic Yorkshire sky and its ever-changing atmosphere,’ she adds. ‘It’s rewarding to create pieces that are uniquely tied to the landscapes my clients cherish.’
Could you pick a favourite piece of work you’ve created?
Right now, my favourite is a watercolour I did on Glaisdale Rigg, looking towards Rosedale. It is special as I created it soon after moving to the countryside. It wasn’t raining when I started sketching the landscape, there was a sudden downpour when I was painting, which created an incredible texture to the paint and paper that I’ll probably never be able to recreate.
Is there a Northern gallery you love?
I absolutely love the Zillah Bell Gallery in Thirsk and was thrilled to exhibit there during their Summer Show. It’s a lovely gallery, and [they have an] exhibition of Norman Ackroyd, who tragically recently passed away.
Is there an item you couldn’t live without?
My sketchbook, and a stubby little pencil I carry around in a small box of tools.
Is there an artist who inspires you?
Yes! Len Tabner is a huge inspiration to me. He’s not only a brilliant artist but also a family friend and mentor, so I’m lucky to be able to chat with him about my work.
How do you spend your downtime?
When I’m not painting or outdoors sketching, I love spending time with family and friends, mountain biking, and discovering great places to eat. We’re spoiled for choice around here—Mary’s Sandwich Bar in Sandsend, The Postgate Inn at Egton Bridge, and The Yorkshire Cycle Hub, which does an amazing fry-up (and of course, it's in Fryup!).
