Hazel Mountford is a fine art acrylic painter based in Bristol. The main theme of her work is the competition for space between humans and animals and between animal species, a constantly evolving jigsaw which she finds fascinating.
Hazel's paintings are highly detailed, presented on plain or minimal backgrounds which capture a sense of quiet beauty, allowing the viewer time to pause and reconnect with nature. She works on bespoke wood panels, with the panel shapes themselves influenced by the compositions and the actual or potential motion of the subject.
Her pieces are created in stages either initially drawing from collected specimens or working from anatomical drawings, proceeded by thin glazes of acrylic to create depth and finally culminating in lines of delicate intricacy. Wherever possible each animal is painted life-size thus allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the species true occupancy. Though her art Hazel strives to celebrate the wonder and importance of all nature.
Her recent painting series "Haven" captures animals at rest, tenderly enveloped on white sheets and mediates on the themes of connectivity, sanctuary and home. Upon closer inspection, smaller creatures can be seen nestled within the larger ones, reminding us that by protecting and appreciating the larger natural beauty around us, we begin to notice and preserve the smaller things in their environment. A greater benefit for all.
Hazel's artwork has been featured in the BBC Wildlife Magazine, Art of England, Artists and Illustrators and the RA Magazine. Her paintings have been exhibited in major cities worldwide including London, New York, Toronto, Singapore and Hong Kong. She has been three times a finalist in the David Shepherd WAY competition and is the winner of the prestigious BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year - British Mammals.