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Early Life and Artistic Foundations
Jake Attree, born in York in 1950, embarked on a journey of artistic exploration that would deeply intertwine his identity with the landscapes and industrial heritage of northern England. His initial exposure to painting came through formal studies at the York School of Art, followed by three years at Liverpool College of Art. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for a career defined by a unique perspective—one that blended rigorous technique with an emotive response to place. However, it was his time at the Royal Academy Schools from 1974 to 1977 that proved pivotal. There, he garnered significant recognition, receiving prestigious awards including the Creswick Landscape Prize and the Landseer Figurative Prize, accolades that signaled a burgeoning talent poised for distinction. These early successes weren’t merely validations of skill; they were affirmations of a developing vision—a commitment to capturing not just what was seen, but how it felt to be immersed in a particular environment.
The Influence of Northern Light and European Masters
Attree's artistic DNA is profoundly interwoven with the cultural fabric of Yorkshire, yet he resists simple categorization as a “northern artist.” He acknowledges a deep resonance with the art of Northern Europe, particularly the Flemish masters like Rubens, whose sensitivity to light deeply influenced his own approach. This connection isn’t accidental; Attree recognizes a shared sensibility—a way of responding to atmospheric conditions and translating them onto canvas. He traces this lineage further back, noting how Constable, inspired by Rubens, found beauty in the flat, water meadow-surrounded city of York. But Attree's influences extend far beyond Europe. He speaks of being moved by the bronze sculptures of Benin, the intricate patterns of Iznik tiles, and the rich textures of Persian carpets—a testament to a broader appreciation for diverse artistic traditions. This eclectic range of inspiration underscores his belief in a shared human voice expressed through art, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. He sees artists from different countries recognizing “the gift offered by another,” or even appropriating it, as part of a larger conversation about equality, purpose, and our common humanity.
Development of a Unique Style: Impasto and the Evocation of Place
Attree’s mature style is characterized by a distinctive impasto technique—a layering of thick paint that creates expressive textures and a palpable sense of physicality on the canvas. This approach, often associated with artists like Frank Auerbach and Leon Kossoff, allows him to build up surfaces that are not merely representations of landscapes or cityscapes but rather embodiments of them. His paintings don’t aim for photographic realism; instead, they evoke mood, light, and history through a carefully orchestrated interplay of color and form. He is celebrated for his thoughtful response to the northern landscape, shaped by memory, experience, and a strong sense of place. The human presence in his work is often implied rather than explicitly depicted, adding to the paintings’ quiet intensity and reflective quality. Attree's canvases suggest rather than describe, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on an emotional level. He focuses on layering up patches of paint in what he calls a 'square-brush technique', creating works that feel rooted, reflective, and deeply connected to the places that shaped them.
Dean Clough Residency and Continued Exploration
For over twenty-five years, Attree has exhibited widely across Europe and America, establishing himself as a significant voice in contemporary British painting. A pivotal period in his career was his residency at Dean Clough, Halifax—a historic mill complex transformed into an arts hub. This provided him with dedicated studio space and opportunities to engage with a vibrant artistic community. It was during this time that he developed a series of New York drawings, demonstrating his ability to translate his distinctive style to different urban environments. His work has been exhibited in numerous City Galleries both in the UK and internationally, and is held in private collections across Great Britain, USA, Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany and Sweden. Attree’s ongoing exploration of cities like London and New York reflects a broader interest in capturing the energy and atmosphere of diverse urban spaces, while remaining grounded in his Yorkshire roots.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Jake Attree's legacy lies in his ability to create paintings that are both formally compelling and emotionally resonant. He is celebrated for his evocations of cityscapes and landscapes, but also for his commitment to the construction of the painting itself—the materiality of paint and the expressive potential of technique. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of observation, memory, and the human capacity for artistic interpretation. Attree’s conversation is seasoned with references to Baudelaire’s writings on painting and the aphorisms of artists past, demonstrating his deep engagement with art history and theory. He has openly discussed the challenges he faced early in his career, including a period of alcohol abuse that threatened to derail his artistic ambitions—a testament to his resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft. Through films documenting his creative process and personal struggles, Attree offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a working artist, inspiring future generations with his honesty and integrity.
Born: York, England, 1950
Education: York School of Art; Liverpool College of Art; Royal Academy Schools (1974-1977)
Awards: Creswick Landscape Prize, Landseer Figurative Prize, Bronze Turner Medal (Royal Academy of Arts)
