Rob Pointon ROI (b 1982)

Contemporary British Oil Painter and En Plein Air Artist

Rob Pointon is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and dynamic British oil painters working today. Multiple award-winning and a proud "Stokie" originally from the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent, Rob has transitioned from painting the local streetscapes of Staffordshire to documenting the most significant moments in modern British history.

The Mastery of En Plein Air Painting

What sets Rob Pointon’s work apart is his commitment to the en plein air tradition. Working entirely on-site with his subject directly in front of him, Rob captures the movement, light, and energy of a scene in real-time. Whether he is depicting a bustling urban centre or a quiet landscape, his use of oil paints brings a visceral, immersive quality to the canvas that resonates with international collectors.

Artist to the Crown & Major Residencies

Rob’s reputation for technical excellence has led to several prestigious appointments and residencies:

The Household Cavalry: From 2021 to 2022, Rob served as the Artist in Residence for The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in London.
Royal Occasions: He was commissioned to paint the final Trooping the Colour of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the historic scenes of the late Queen’s Funeral.
The Painted Hall: Rob documented the conservation of Sir James Thornhill’s masterpiece at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
Manchester Airport: As the first artist in residence of its kind in the UK, Rob spent three years (2016–2019) travelling the world and bringing global scenes back to the airport for public display.

A Deep Connection to Stoke-on-Trent

Despite his international acclaim and election as a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI), Rob remains deeply connected to his roots. Barewall Art Gallery has been proud to represent Rob since 2006, when he first began capturing the industrial beauty of Burslem at age 24.

Having lived above the Barewall gallery during two pivotal points in his career; including the period following his celebrated "Year of The Boat" exhibition with his wife Karen—Rob’s journey is woven into the fabric of the North Staffordshire art scene.

Fine Art Education

2004 – 2005: ‘The Drawing Year’ (Postgraduate), The Prince’s Drawing School, London.
2001 – 2004: Fine Art BA (1st Class), University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Explore our curated collection of original oil paintings by Rob Pointon. For enquiries regarding specific works or commissions, please contact the gallery.