John Day

I am a figurative painter based outside Oxford working primarily in oils, creating intimate portraits and interior figure studies grounded in direct observation. Heavily influenced by the raw, visceral approach of Lucian Freud and Walter Sickert, my work explores the physical weight, skin tone nuances, and psychological presence of the human form through thick, impasto paint application.

Rather than working with professional models, I mostly paint people from my own life—friends, family, and long-term acquaintances. Working with familiar subjects allows for a quiet, unvarnished vulnerability to emerge during the sitting process. Set within domestic and familiar interior spaces, my paintings pair spatial geometry with rich surface texture, capturing moments of still contemplation and quiet human reality. Each piece is an ongoing conversation between paint, light, and the enduring connection between artist and sitter.

Exhibitions

2026
‘JOHN DAY – Small Paintings and Works on Paper’ – The Little Gallery, Oxford (Oct 2 – 31st)
‘Oxford Art Society Members Exhibition’ – Kendrew Barn Gallery, St Johns College, Oxford

2025
‘Oxford Art Society Open Exhibition’ – St John’s College, Oxford
‘OX4 Life Drawing Group’ – Magdalen Road Studios Gallery, Oxford
‘Oxford Artweeks’ South Oxford Arts Community, Oxford
‘My Lovely Postcards’ 2025 Cloisters Gallery, St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford
‘Oxford Art Society’ Members Exhibition St John’s College, Oxford
‘One Off’ Candid Arts Gallery, London

2024
St John’s College, Oxford
SHQ Gallery, Raynham, Norfolk

2019
Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock
Cloisters Gallery, St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford

2018
Sewell Centre Gallery, Radley
OP80 Exhibition, Oxford Playhouse, Oxford

2008
Alternative Oxford, 03 Gallery, Oxford