Paul Czainski
Paul Czainski was born in Dewsbury and still lives in West Yorkshire though his work takes him all over the world. He studied at the Jacob Kramer School of Art, Leeds and then at Goldsmith’s College,London. Having gained a B.A and Post Graduate qualification he has been a full-time artist since 1977.
Paul’s practice is wide ranging and he can move from figurative paintings from life or the imagination to illustration, large commissions, printmaking, collage, film, performance and installations. He is one of the most sought-after specialist artist/ decorators in the UK and his murals, trompe l’Oeil paintings, graining, marbling, fabric and wallpaper designs grace the homes of his celebrity clients. His work often carries an absurd narrative that he hopes the viewer can connect with.
Paul has taught trompe l’Oeil and painting at Peralta, Italy and lectured on historical paint techniques at Queen’s House, Greenwich, Dean Clough Galleries, Halifax and the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
He is a member of the International Guild of Realism (USA) and a Fellow of the Faculty of Decoration. He is also a co-curator of Warley Museum, Warley, Halifax (the smallest museum in the world.). He often collaborates artistically with his wife Chris Czainski in film or performance, installations or large painting commissions when they are known as ‘The Fabulous Czainskis.”
Paul paints detailed still lifes echoing the Dutch tradition for his London galleries while his life in Staithes inspires witty and original surrealist portrayals of seaside themes.
Regular visitors to Staithes will also be familiar with his trompe l’Oeil art trail around the village. A free leaflet depicting many of these paintings and their locations are available in the gallery.
The gallery also stocks copies of ‘The Beanpole Chronicles’ which are illustrated by Paul as well as some of the original paintings.