Anne Bardsley is an emerging artist based in Oldham, Greater Manchester, she is known for her compelling portrayals of the animal kingdom, with a particular focus on endangered species. With an A Level in Fine Arts from Oldham Sixth Form College, Anne has showcased her work in numerous galleries across the UK, including Manchester, London, Oldham, Leeds, Bury and most recently Lancaster.
Her artistic journey has been marked by notable exhibitions, such as her debut solo exhibition “Wild Encounters” (2023) and “Wildlife Unleashed” (2024) at The Pop Up in Stockport. Anne’s work emphasises the beauty and essence of endangered species through mixed media, pop art, and animal oil portraits. Her dedication to conservation shines through in her work, as she collaborates with local organisations to raise awareness about endangered animals.
Anne’s paintings have earned her recognition, including being a finalist in the Artists of the Year 2022 Award. Working from her home studio, she continues to push the boundaries of her creativity, exploring new artistic styles and materials. Through her art, Anne aims to create art that resonates with animal lovers, and highlights the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
Artist Statement
Through my work, I aim to inspire a greater appreciation and respect for wildlife. I use my art to portray the personality and behaviour of animals, and invite the viewer to reflect on their own actions and feelings towards them. I experiment with different artistic styles and techniques, choosing the most suitable one to communicate a particular message.
I’l blend acrylics and soft pastels to create mixed media art that encapsulates the vitality and spirit of the animals I depict. Sometimes, I opt for a pop art approach, utilising bright colours and bold layouts that pulls focus on the subject matter. Alternatively, I concentrate on oils, employing a relaxed, painterly technique with a more textured finish. Despite using a variety artistic approaches my creative process remains consistent, driven by a passion for raising awareness of endangered species and the issues that threaten their existence.
Exhibitions
2024 – Solo Exhibition, The Pop Up, Stockport
2024 – Group Exhibition, The Oldham Open 2024, Oldham Gallery
2024 – Group Exhibition, Lancaster Art Fair, The Storey Lancaster
2023 – Group Exhibition, Open 2023, Bury Art Museum
2023 – Solo Exhibition, The Pop Up, Stockport
2022 – Group Exhibition, Buy Art Exhibition 2022, Aire Place Studio Leeds
2022 – Group Exhibition, The Oldham Open 2022, Oldham Gallery
2022 – Group Exhibition, Cheetah The Movie, Canon Place London
2022 – Juried Group Exhibition, Manchester Open Exhibition 2022, Home Gallery Manchester
Awards
2023 – Shortlisted, Zanna Fridge Awards, Zanna Art Magazine, for Minnie
2022 – Shortlisted, Zanna Fridge Awards, Zanna Art Magazine, for What Big Teeth You Have
2022 – Finalist, Artists Of The Year 2022, Supporting All Artists, for Pigeon Party & What Big Teeth You Have
2022 – Gone Bad Award Winner, Zanna Fridge Awards, Zanna Art Magazine, for Rainbow Raptor
2021 – Runner Up, Selected for the Conservation Collection, Sketch For Survival initiative for Fading Ailurus Fulgens
2021 – Shortlisted, Zanna Fridge Awards, Zanna Art Magazine, for Pride Cows
Commissions
2024 – March Of The Elephants & Wild In Art, “Cheesy Does It” , water based paints on carbon fibre elephant sculpture, Lichfield
2023 – Stockport Bid, “Spoke” , water based paints on carbon fibre frog sculpture, Stockport
2024 – Waddle Of Worcester & Wild In Art, “Starlit Journey” , water based paints on carbon fibre penguin sculpture, Worcester
Press
2024 – Alasdair Perry, “Merseyway’s Pop Up shop to be transformed into art exhibition this October”, Stockport Nub News, 30th September 2024
2023 – Joe Yates, “Oldham artist has taken inspiration from Chester Zoo”, The Oldham Times, 25th October 2023
2023 – Gemma Carter, “Oldham artist’s debut exhibition inspired by animals”, Saddleworth Independent, 19th October 2023
More information on exhibitions and events can be found here.