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Around 7 years ago when browsing galleries for something bright to adorn the walls of a plain white new build flat and thinking 'I could do that....' has turned out to be a seminal Oz moment. The ensuing experiments with a 4 pack of acrylics, and quickly rediscovered skill of making a subjectively attractive looking mess, has for sure been a turning point. Then being made redundant from the London software firm I worked for in sales and brand development early in 2010 forced the situation; the best thing to have ever happened. I was alright at school if I remember correctly, being able to replicate Monet's style reasonably, and won a prize for something as a wee sprog. But - thankfully to be honest - I was persuaded to follow a more academic route. As it panned out, that meant that 15 years later when I started throwing paint around our initially spotless kitchen, that I could practice, learn and develop my style unpressured - to gradually build up to the sole focus it's become now, of being my passion and livelihood all in one. I'm perhaps not a textbook artist - my entire aim is for visual impact, to capture characters in a unique way that blows your socks off and to illicit a response something along the lines of 'woooohhhhaaa!'. The beauty of creating portraits is that each one could mean absolutely everything or nothing at all to you..... but everyone has an idol, mentor, someone they’re a massive fan of or indeed love... its an absolute honour to be asked to immortalise them all in paint. I strive for the impression of explosive energy, movement, expression and the maximum in 3D effect – several techniques combining for the end result. Every one is around 2cm thick oil paint in places (yes, I get through a fair amount of the stuff) and pretty large scale, usually on board for a completely flat background so that the texture of the subject really comes out at you. I'm fascinated with how perceptions change with distance - the biggest unintentional compliment I’ve had was that my work looks like porridge close up. Awesome! They're definitely fresher in the flesh (another overheard-in-gallery-classic) although my good friend Dave Perry does well to impart some of the texture capturing photographically. I love the challenge of painting, especially tricky commissions when I'm asked to paint an image perhaps I wouldnt have chosen myself - I learn far more from these than those I have chosen myself. I'm naturally competitive, I guess from my background in sport - and for sure a big part of the enjoyment for me is constantly having to re-think, battling to bring a piece alive. I love the PR side of things just as much..... there's no such thing as a crazy idea in the art world. I was once told by a gallery to paint tall narrow pieces that anyone could find space for in a corner. Thats why I now paint even bigger....... Official licensed artist to Bruce Lee Enterprises, Star Trek, Denis the Menace, Ali, Mr Men and Little Miss - and others as soon as I can shout about them! Well known investors and endorsers include Sir Alex Ferguson, Theo Paphitis, Roger De Haan, Chris Moyles, BBC Comeidian Chris Ramsey, Eastenders Adam Woodyatt and Corries Katherine Kelly. Partnered with leading rights holders and motorsport teams worldwide.
Recent Notable Events and Shows
Paul Oz official gallery and character license partners;
In my former life below in the 2005 National Championships for the team I used to run..... Paul Oz designed kit too!
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