A Bradford School of Art alumnus whose work has been exhibited all over the country has been shortlisted for a prestigious national art prize.

Ian Hodgson is one of 55 artists, from more than 2,000 entrants all over the world, to have been selected for the Derwent Art Prize.

His atmospheric images of clouds will form part of the Derwent Art Prize 2022 Exhibition at gallery@oxo, OXO Tower Wharf, London, from 24 February to 6 March.

Ian said: “I was very, very chuffed to have been shortlisted.

Always been an artist

“I have such fond memories of my art degree at Bradford College, a proper learning experience and one which changed the course of my life.”

Ian graduated from Bradford School of Art, part of the Bradford College family, in 2000. His interest in art began at a young age. He said: “I’ve always been an artist. My earliest memories are of me drawing.”

Having taken life drawing classes at Bolton Royd, Ian went on to study for a Higher National Certificate at Bradford College before progressing to a Fine Art degree. He said: “The degree really expanded my mind. I thought the tutors were fantastic.”

After graduating, Ian moved to Brighton, where he continued his career as an artist. His work has been exhibited in galleries all over the country. Ian said: “I’ve always drawn using graphite and pastels. I’ve used graphite so much, it’s like an old friend. By using graphite, I’m not distracted by colour. It’s like black and white photography – it’s a different way of expressing yourself.”

Back to his roots

Ian’s work has been exhibited in galleries all over the country and even in Los Angeles – where actress Demi Moore bought one of his pictures. He even won the Finest Drawing Prize in the UK’s National Open Art Prize in 2013 for his piece ‘Chrysalis’. Musician Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones presented Ian with the prize.

After 20 years in Brighton, Ian decided to move back to West Yorkshire. He decided to enter the Derwent Art Prize, not expecting to be shortlisted. He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out.”

Ian’s work can be viewed on his website, www.ian-hodgson.co.uk, and on his Instagram feed, https://www.instagram.com/ian.hodgson/

Ian said: “Bradford School of Art changed my life. I’ll always be grateful to them.”

About the Derwent Art Prize

Created in 2012 by Derwent, the Derwent Art Prize rewards excellence in contemporary graphic art by showcasing the very best artworks created in pencil.

Now in its 6^th edition, the Derwent Art Prize invited artists from around the world to submit works created in 2D or 3D in any pencil including graphite, coloured pencil, water soluble, pastel and charcoal. 

The Derwent Art Prize 2022 received a record number of submissions: over 6,100 entries by 2,325 artists from 67 countries.

All of the works were considered by a prestigious panel of selectors, Katy Hessel, host of The Great Women Artists podcast, Paul Hobson, Director of Modern Art Oxford, and Charmaine Watkiss, artist.

After careful consideration, the three selectors shortlisted 72 works by 55 artists for the Derwent Art Prize 2022 exhibition.

Derwent Art Prize Exhibition

The 72 shortlisted artworks will be available to see in the Derwent Art Prize 2022 exhibition, at gallery@oxo, OXO Tower Wharf, in London, from 24 February to 6 March 2022.

All of the shortlisted artists will be eligible to win prizes totalling over £12,500, including:

• First Prize: £4,000 plus a year’s supply of Derwent products
• Second Prize: £2,000 and a box of Derwent Lightfast Pencils
• Young Artist First Prize: £4,000
• Young Artist Second Prize: £2,000
• People’s Choice Award: £500

There is also the chance to vote in the People’s Choice Prize in the competition. Visit https://www.derwentartprize-exhibition.com/vote