Kris Hardy

Contemporary Art | Structure & Expression | Colour Without Boundaries

Kris Hardy is a British contemporary artist whose distinctive paintings bring together bold structure, expressive colour and a powerful sense of movement. From dramatic cityscapes and iconic automobiles to figurative studies and the female form, his work reflects a fascination with shape, contrast and the relationship between precision and artistic freedom. Each painting carries its own character, balancing strong composition with softer, expressive elements to create works full of energy and atmosphere.

Growing up in Nottingham, Kris developed an early fascination with buildings and their relationship with the surrounding landscape. One childhood memory that stayed with him was watching the demolition of 1960s council flats, captivated by the enormous geometric shapes against the skyline. That interest in form and perspective eventually led him towards design, graduating with first-class honours in Vehicle Design in 2000 before completing a master's degree at the Royal College of Art. He subsequently worked with Lotus Cars and BMW, bringing an understanding of proportion and structure that continues to influence his paintings.

Working primarily in oils and acrylics, Kris combines soft pastel tones and vibrant colour with striking contrasts of deep purple and near-black. His influences range from urban art and graffiti to Renaissance painting, photography and contemporary culture. Whether capturing the architectural character of a city, the sculptural beauty of an automobile or the elegance of the human form, his approach brings together technical understanding and expressive freedom.

Since becoming a professional artist in 2003, Kris has established a successful career, exhibiting throughout the UK and internationally, including numerous solo exhibitions. His work is represented by established galleries and has attracted private and corporate commissions, including for Boris Johnson and senior figures at British Gas and Bonnier.

What makes Kris's paintings so engaging is his ability to bring a distinctive perspective to such varied subjects. Through colour, light and composition, he finds beauty in both the precision of design and the freedom of artistic expression, creating works that capture attention while revealing something of the character and emotion behind each subject.

Artist Terms of Sale: This artist sets their own Terms & Conditions, which apply to any purchase. You can view their site below. If no terms are published there, Artisan Collective’s Fallback Terms will be used.

https://www.instagram.com/krishardy_art/